Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged fellow contenders in the 2027 presidential race to make their academic qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.
Obi also authorised the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and other institutions he attended in Nigeria and abroad to release his academic records upon lawful requests and in accordance with applicable laws.
The former Anambra State governor made the call amid legal proceedings instituted by former Labour Party spokesperson, Abayomi Arabambi, seeking access to records relating to Obi’s educational qualifications.
Arabambi has filed suits at the Federal High Court in Abuja involving UNN, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), seeking access to official records concerning certificates allegedly issued to Obi.
Responding to the development, Obi said he welcomed legitimate public interest in his background, qualifications and record as a presidential candidate.
He specifically asked UNN to release his academic certificates, admission records and other official documents relating to his studies at the institution, provided such requests comply with the law.
“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.
He extended the same authorisation to other institutions he attended within and outside Nigeria.
Obi subsequently challenged other presidential candidates to demonstrate similar openness by making their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.
According to him, disclosure of academic records should not be viewed as an attack on any candidate but as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence and promote accountability.
“Those who seek to lead must be willing to demonstrate, through both their words and actions, that they have nothing to conceal from the people they aspire to serve,” he said.
Obi stressed that any scrutiny of candidates should be fair, lawful and applied consistently to all presidential contenders.
“If we desire a Nigeria founded on transparency, integrity, accountability, and respect for institutions, those values must begin with those who seek to lead it,” he said.
The legal proceedings involving Arabambi have not established any finding that Obi’s academic records are fraudulent; the suits are seeking access to institutional records.
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