... challenges candidates to disclose credentials
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), has said he is willing to have his academic records and certificates released for legitimate public examination.
Obi stated this in response to reports circulating on social media about a legal action seeking Certified True Copies of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, awarded by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in 1984.
He said he had “absolutely no objection” to the release of his degree certificate, academic records and other official documents connected to his admission and studies at the university.
“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,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also said he had no objection to other institutions he attended, both in Nigeria and abroad, releasing his academic records in accordance with relevant laws and procedures.
Obi said transparency and accountability were essential qualities for anyone seeking public office, while insisting that scrutiny should be lawful, fair and applied equally to all candidates.
“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record,” he said.
He added that he was ready to face the level of scrutiny reasonably expected of a presidential aspirant, saying political leaders should show through their conduct that they had nothing to hide.
Obi urged other presidential candidates to also make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public review.
He said the disclosure of such information should not be treated as an attack or inconvenience, but as a means of strengthening public confidence, encouraging accountability and restoring trust in political leadership.
“Leadership must reflect the values we expect from the society we hope to build,” Obi said, stressing that transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for institutions should begin with those seeking to lead the country.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the principle that candidates seeking Nigerians’ trust must be prepared to earn it through openness and accountability.
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