Peter Obi has called on President Bola Tinubu, governors, and other elected officials to submit their academic credentials to the Independent National Electoral Commission for verification without delay. He, therefore, urged INEC and other relevant agencies to verify and authenticate these documents.

Mr Tinubu is notorious for presenting a forged university certificate to the electoral body.

“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,” said the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023. “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.”

Mr Obi stated this on Thursday, against the backdrop of the disgraceful exit of science and technology minister Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, who tendered his resignation letter after Peoples Gazette exposed his certificate forgery.

The former Anambra governor added, “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,” the politician stated. “We cannot continue to allow dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership.”

Mr Obi, who described Mr Nnaji’s resignation as “commendable” and “honourable”, said matters related to certificate forgery are not trivial and constitute serious criminal offences.

He demanded a national review of the qualification and background verification process for all public officeholders in the country.

“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,” Mr Obi stated.