The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make public the academic certificates submitted by candidates seeking elective offices, saying the move would strengthen transparency and boost public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Obi made the call in a statement on Tuesday while reflecting on the nomination forms completed by political candidates ahead of elections.
According to the former Anambra State governor, one of the questions in the form—which asks whether a candidate has ever submitted a forged certificate to INEC—raises important concerns about accountability and integrity in public office.
“This raises another important question: Why shouldn’t INEC, in the interest of ensuring that our leaders are exemplary in following the rules and to strengthen public confidence in our electoral process, publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office?” Obi said.
He argued that making such documents publicly available would improve transparency and reinforce trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust,” he added.
Obi also expressed concern over what he described as the misplaced priorities of political leaders at a time when the country is battling insecurity, poverty and economic hardship.
He questioned whether politics should dominate national attention while many Nigerians continue to face kidnapping, hunger and rising insecurity.
“When Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abducted, citizens cannot travel safely, and millions are uncertain where their next meal will come from, should politics really be our primary preoccupation?” he asked.
The former governor said Nigeria’s security and economic challenges should be treated as a national emergency, urging leaders to focus on competence, character and service rather than partisan politics.
He called for decisive action to tackle the country’s pressing problems, insisting that the welfare, security and stability of Nigerians must come before political interests.
