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 all candidates seeking elective office, saying greater transparency would strengthen public trust in the electoral process.
Obi made the call while reflecting on questions contained in the INEC nomination form, particularly those relating to candidates’ mental fitness and the authenticity of their academic qualifications.
He questioned why such documents should remain confidential, arguing that making them public would promote accountability.
“Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC? Again, the answer is either Yes or No. This raises another important question: 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 said.
Obi added, “Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria’s problems are too serious for politics as usual. It is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to service.”
The former Anambra State governor also referred to Section E, Question 1 of the nomination form, which asks whether a candidate has ever been declared to be of unsound mind.
He said the question raises concerns about whether Nigeria’s political leaders are demonstrating sound judgement, citing persistent insecurity, kidnappings, unsafe highways, widespread hunger and allegations of mismanagement of public funds as evidence that leaders have lost focus on the country’s most pressing challenges.
According to Obi, responsible leadership would treat Nigeria’s security and economic crises as a national emergency by mobilising all relevant institutions and stakeholders to address them.
He maintained that the country’s survival, security and stability should take precedence over political calculations, insisting that Nigeria needs leaders defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to public service.
Earlier, Seriake Dickson confirmed that Obi’s name had been uploaded to the INEC portal despite the recent court ruling that voided the registration process of the opposition party.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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