The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to publish the academic certificates and other credentials submitted by candidates seeking elective offices in the country.
Obi said making such documents publicly accessible would promote transparency, strengthen accountability and boost public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra State governor made the call after completing his INEC nomination form, saying some of the questions in the document raised serious issues about leadership, integrity and public trust.
Obi specifically referred to a question in the nomination form asking whether a candidate had ever presented a forged certificate to INEC.
According to him, if candidates are required to answer such a question, Nigerians should also be allowed to see and verify the academic certificates and credentials submitted by those seeking to lead them.
“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 asked.
He maintained that openness in the verification process would deepen democracy and help rebuild citizens’ trust in public institutions.
Obi said transparency remains central to credible elections and accountable leadership, especially at a time Nigerians are demanding higher standards from those seeking public office.
“Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria’s problems are too serious for politics as usual,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate also drew attention to another question in the INEC nomination form asking whether a candidate had ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind.
He said the question should compel political leaders to reflect on their priorities, judgment and conduct in the face of Nigeria’s mounting challenges.
Obi asked whether those entrusted with leadership today could genuinely claim to be acting with sound judgment when insecurity, poverty, hunger and unemployment continue to worsen across the country.
He lamented that many Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are still being abducted, while citizens can no longer travel safely on major highways because of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
According to him, millions of Nigerians are uncertain about their next meal, while public resources are being wasted or allegedly diverted through questionable agencies and projects.
He said a sound-minded leadership would have declared the country’s security, hunger and economic crises a national emergency and mobilised relevant institutions, security agencies, experts, community leaders and other stakeholders to confront them with urgency.
Obi argued that Nigeria’s survival, security and stability should take priority over political calculations, partisan advantage and routine electoral activities.
He said the country needs leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to service.
The former governor maintained that strengthening transparency in the electoral process, beginning with public access to candidates’ credentials, would help restore confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
His remarks come as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with INEC’s nomination and candidate-submission processes forming a major part of the electoral timetable.
Obi insisted that Nigerians deserve to know the qualifications and records of persons asking for their votes, adding that public scrutiny of submitted credentials would reduce suspicion, discourage misrepresentation and promote accountability.