Mr Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has urged relevant agencies to take firm action in verifying and authenticating the academic and professional certificates of all political candidates — from the President to local government councillors — ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi made this call in a post on his official X handle on Thursday in reaction to the alleged certificate saga hung on the resigned Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, stressing that Nigeria cannot continue to allow dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership.

The former Anambra state governor lamented that it is appalling that the electoral body carries out little or no due diligence in confirming certificates submitted by candidates, emphasising that continuous discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials undermine the credibility of the country’s democracy.

According to him, if Nigeria truly desires a free, fair, and credible 2027 election, the process of integrity must begin now.

“It is commendable that the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, has resigned following the controversy surrounding discrepancies in his academic certificates. That is a decent and honourable step.

“Similarly, we can recall that during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, then Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, resigned after issues were raised concerning her NYSC certificate. These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences.

“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.

“As a matter of urgency, this is the time for a comprehensive national review of the qualification and background verification process for all public office holders. Other nations, like Ghana, have set an example by thoroughly cross-checking the educational claims and credentials of all candidates before elections. Nigeria must not do less.

“INEC has enough time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims. Every incumbent and aspiring candidate must submit all academic certificates immediately for verification and public accessibility, clearly detailing schools attended from primary to university level.

“Let truth, transparency, and accountability form the foundation of leadership in our dear country. Only then can we build a Nigeria where public service is anchored on honour, not deceit. We must get it right,” he wrote.