Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as efforts to shield records concerning the President’s past from public scrutiny.
Obi made the remarks in a post on his X platform on Monday, August 31, 2026, while emphasising what he described as the importance of integrity, transparency and accountability in public leadership.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said he was concerned about the direction of the country and argued that a sitting President should have the courage to address questions surrounding his past, particularly issues he considers to be of legitimate public interest.
“It is profoundly embarrassing that we have reached a point where a sitting President is asking a foreign court to withhold records concerning his past.”
Obi said leadership requires the courage and humility to acknowledge mistakes, provide explanations when questions arise and, where necessary, apologise and seek forgiveness.
According to him, a leader’s authority is strengthened rather than weakened when they accept responsibility instead of attempting to shield controversial aspects of their past from scrutiny.
Obi Raises Questions Over Educational Records
The former governor expressed particular concern about questions surrounding educational credentials.
He argued that issues relating to foundational schooling, including primary and secondary education, should not remain unresolved or be addressed mainly through legal proceedings.
“Nigerians deserve clear, credible, and verifiable explanations.”
Obi said the controversy was especially important because of the example set by those occupying the highest political offices to more than 200 million Nigerians, including millions of young people in schools.
He maintained that the Presidency should demonstrate integrity, accountability, transparency and ethical leadership.
‘Nigeria Is Greater Than Any One Person’
Obi acknowledged that having an imperfect past is part of being human, but said what matters is the willingness to confront it honestly, make amends where necessary and place the national interest above personal ambition.
He questioned when Nigeria’s political class would recognise that individual political ambitions are temporary while the country and its citizens remain.
“The Presidency is an office held for a season; the moral standards established by those who occupy it can influence generations.”
Obi added that Nigeria’s interests must always take precedence over those of individuals.
“Nigeria is greater than any one person, and the integrity of the Republic must always come before the interests of the individual.”
The former governor concluded his message by reaffirming his belief in Nigeria’s future and repeating his familiar declaration:
“A New Nigeria is Possible.”
Source: Peter Obi’s statement on X.
