Obi Demands Nationwide Certificate Audit Before 2027 Elections

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for a nationwide verification of academic and professional certificates of all political office holders and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying integrity must return to Nigeria’s leadership process.

In a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday titled “Certificate Integrity and the Future of Nigerian Leadership,” Obi commended the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, for resigning following discrepancies in his academic credentials, describing the action as “a decent and honourable step.”

Recall that on Tuesday, THE WHISTLER reported that the presidency confirmed the resignation of Uche Nnaji over a certificate forgery scandal. In his letter to the president, Nnaji was said to have cited alleged blackmail and political attacks while also thanking the president for allowing him to serve Nigeria.

Obi however, drew a parallel with the 2018 resignation of former Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration over issues surrounding her NYSC certificate, saying both cases highlight the seriousness of certificate-related infractions.

“These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences,” Obi stated.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, INEC and all relevant agencies must take decisive steps to verify and authenticate all academic and professional certificates of every candidate, from the President down to local government councillors. We cannot continue to allow dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership.”

The former Anambra State governor lamented that Nigeria’s electoral body performs “little or no due diligence” in confirming certificates submitted by candidates, warning that continuous forgery and false declarations erode public trust and weaken the credibility of elections.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to begin investigations into past certificate forgery complaints and compel all incumbents and aspirants to immediately submit their academic records for verification and public accessibility, including details of schools attended from primary to university level.

Calling for a broader reform, Obi advocated a “comprehensive national review” of qualification and background checks for all public office holders, citing Ghana as a model for rigorous candidate scrutiny.

“If we truly desire a free, fair, and credible 2027 election, the process of integrity must begin now,” he said, stressing that truth, transparency, and accountability should be the pillars of Nigeria’s leadership.

“Only then can we build a Nigeria where public service is anchored on honour, not deceit. We must get it right.”