The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to release his academic records following reports of a legal action seeking certified true copies of his university certificates and other admission documents.

Obi made the call in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, declaring that he had no objection to the release of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which he said was awarded by the university in 1984.

He also gave his consent to the release of other official records relating to his admission and studies at the institution.

The former Anambra State governor’s statement followed reports circulating on social media about a legal action by an individual or group seeking certified true copies of his degree certificate and other academic credentials.

“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said.

He urged the university to make his academic certificates, records and other official documents available upon legitimate request and within the limits permitted by law.

“I respectfully request that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, within the limits permitted by law, make available, upon legitimate request, my academic certificates, records, and other official documents relating to my admission and studies at the University,” he said.

Obi also said he had no objection to other educational institutions he attended in Nigeria and abroad releasing his academic records in line with applicable laws and procedures.

He said transparency and accountability were particularly important for individuals seeking public office, but stressed that scrutiny must be fair, lawful and consistently applied.

“I believe strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office. Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation,” he said.

Obi said he welcomed legitimate public interest in his background, qualifications and record as he seeks the presidency in 2027.

“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record. I am prepared to subject myself to the level of scrutiny that should reasonably be expected of anyone seeking the highest office in our country,” he said.

He also challenged other presidential aspirants to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.

“I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny,” Obi said.

According to him, such scrutiny should not be regarded as an attack or inconvenience but as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability and rebuild Nigerians’ trust in political leadership.

He added that leadership should reflect values such as transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for institutions.

“I therefore welcome the scrutiny of my academic background and remain committed to the principle that those who ask Nigerians for their trust must also be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability,” Obi said.