Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi argued that making candidates’ academic certificates public would promote transparency, strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, and ensure that those seeking public office uphold the highest standards of integrity.

The NDC presidential candidate, in a statement on Tuesday, said the call became necessary after he completed his INEC nomination form and reflected on some of the questions contained in it.

According to him, Section E, Question 1 of the form asks whether a candidate has ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind.

The former Anambra governor questioned whether Nigeria’s current political leadership could genuinely be described as exhibiting the characteristics of a sound mind in the face of the country’s worsening security and economic challenges.

“When Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abducted into the bushes, citizens cannot travel safely on our highways, several million Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from, and several billions are being siphoned frivolously through non-existent agencies and projects, should politics really be our primary preoccupation?” he asked.

Obi said a “sound-minded leadership” would have declared the country’s security and economic challenges a national emergency and mobilised all relevant institutions, security agencies, experts, community leaders and other stakeholders to address them urgently.

He maintained that the survival, security and stability of Nigeria should take precedence over political calculations and partisan interests.

Obi also drew attention to another question in the nomination form, which asks candidates whether they have ever presented a forged certificate to INEC.

He said the provision underscores the need for greater transparency in the electoral process.

“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 queried.

According to Obi, transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust, stressing that Nigeria’s challenges require leadership driven by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to public service rather than “politics as usual.“ (TRIBUNE)