Peter Obi urges INEC to publish candidates’ academic credentials

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 and credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office.

Obi made the call while reflecting on questions contained in the INEC nomination form, particularly those relating to candidates’ mental fitness and the authenticity of their academic qualifications.

According to him, making such documents publicly available would enhance transparency and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Questioning why the credentials should remain confidential, Obi said, “Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC? Again, the answer is either Yes or No. 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?”

He added, “Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria’s problems are too serious for politics as usual. It is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to service.”

The former Anambra State governor also referred to Section E, Question 1 of the INEC nomination form, which asks whether a candidate has ever been declared to be of unsound mind, saying the question raises concerns about whether Nigeria’s political leaders are demonstrating sound judgment.

According to Obi, persistent insecurity, kidnappings, unsafe highways, widespread hunger and allegations of mismanagement of public funds indicate that leaders are losing focus on the country’s pressing challenges.

He maintained that responsible leadership would treat Nigeria’s security and economic challenges as a national emergency by mobilising all relevant institutions and stakeholders to address them.

Obi stressed that the country’s survival, security and stability should take precedence over political calculations, insisting that Nigeria needs leaders defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to public service.

Meanwhile, former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson had earlier confirmed that Obi’s name had been uploaded to the INEC candidate nomination portal despite the recent court ruling that voided the registration process of the opposition party.