Obi urges INEC to publish candidates’ certificates, credentials

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the academic certificates and other credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective offices, saying greater transparency would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Obi made the call on Tuesday while reflecting on questions contained in the INEC nomination form, particularly those relating to mental fitness and certificate authenticity.

He argued that making candidates’ credentials publicly available would promote accountability and ensure that those seeking public office are held to the highest standards of integrity.

Referring to a section of the nomination form that asks whether a candidate has ever presented a forged certificate to INEC, Obi questioned why the electoral commission should not make such documents public.

“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 asked.

“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,” he said.

Obi also drew attention to another question in the nomination form asking whether a candidate had ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind, saying the country’s current realities raise concerns about the quality of leadership.

He cited worsening insecurity, rampant kidnappings, unsafe highways, widespread hunger and the alleged diversion of public funds as evidence that political leaders are failing to focus on the country’s most pressing challenges.

The former Anambra State governor maintained that a responsible and sound-minded leadership would treat Nigeria’s security and economic crises as a national emergency by mobilising security agencies, experts and community leaders to address them with urgency.

He stressed that Nigeria’s survival, security and stability must take precedence over political manoeuvring, insisting that the country needs decisive governance driven by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to public service.

His remarks came shortly after the National Leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, announced that Obi’s name had been successfully uploaded to the INEC candidates’ nomination portal ahead of the 2027 general election.