The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by candidates seeking elective offices to promote transparency and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Obi made the call on Tuesday in a statement posted on his Facebook page while reflecting on questions contained in the INEC nomination form.
He noted that Section E of the form asks whether a candidate has ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind, saying the question should prompt Nigerians to assess whether the country’s political leadership is demonstrating the qualities expected of sound-minded leaders.
Obi said Nigeria’s worsening security and economic challenges should take precedence over political activities, stressing that kidnappings, insecurity on major highways, widespread hunger and the alleged misuse of public funds require urgent attention.
According to him, a responsible government should declare the nation’s security and humanitarian challenges a national emergency and immediately mobilise security agencies, relevant institutions, experts, community leaders and other stakeholders to address the crises.
The former Anambra State governor also drew attention to another question in the nomination form asking whether a candidate had ever submitted a forged certificate to INEC.
He questioned why the electoral commission should not make public the academic qualifications and credentials submitted by all candidates, insisting that such a step would enhance accountability and strengthen public trust in the electoral process.
Obi said transparency remains a vital pillar of democracy, adding that Nigeria’s challenges require leadership built on competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to public service.
He concluded the statement with his campaign slogan, saying, “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
Obi Urges INEC to Publish Candidates’ Academic Certificates
