Key Points

• Peter Obi urges INEC to verify candidates’ certificates before the 2027 elections.

• He commends Uche Nnaji’s resignation as an act of accountability.

• Obi says transparency and truth are vital for credible elections.

Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to start verifying the academic and professional certificates of all political candidates before the 2027 general elections.

Obi said proper scrutiny will promote transparency, restore public trust, and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, the former Anambra State governor stressed that truth and accountability must define leadership selection in the country.

“It is appalling that our electoral body carries out little or no due diligence in confirming certificates submitted by candidates,” Obi wrote.

“Continuous discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials undermine the credibility of our democracy.”

Commends Nnaji’s resignation over certificate issue

Obi also praised the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, for resigning after reports of inconsistencies in his academic records.

He described Nnaji’s decision as “a decent and honourable step,” adding that such actions help uphold integrity in governance.

The Labour Party leader recalled that former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun resigned under similar circumstances during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences,” Obi said.

Truth and accountability must guide 2027 elections, says Obi

Obi urged INEC to investigate all cases of certificate forgery involving current and aspiring political leaders.

He said the commission has enough time to verify every document submitted by candidates—from presidential hopefuls to local government councillors—before the next elections.

“INEC must begin these investigations now and make the findings public,” he said.

“Let truth, transparency, and accountability form the foundation of leadership in our dear country.”

He added that building a credible democracy requires honest leadership, not deceit or manipulation.

“We must build a Nigeria where public service is anchored on honour, not deceit,” Obi concluded. “We must get it right.”