Obi demands transparency, wants INEC to publish candidates’ academic certificates
Peter Obi Advocates for Transparency in Nigeria’s Electoral Process
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publicly disclose the academic credentials and certificates of all candidates seeking elective office. He believes this transparency would enhance public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Obi expressed his views in a Facebook post on Tuesday, reflecting on the questions he encountered in the INEC nomination form. He highlighted a specific inquiry in Section E regarding whether a candidate has ever been declared a lunatic or person of unsound mind. This led him to question the sound-minded leadership among Nigeria’s political figures.
The former governor of Anambra State emphasized that the nation’s urgent security and economic issues should take precedence over political activities.
“When Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abducted, and citizens face unsafe travel conditions, should politics be our primary concern?” he asked. “Millions struggle for basic necessities, while billions are misallocated through nonexistent agencies and projects.”
Obi argued that effective leadership should prioritize the nation’s security and humanitarian crises as a national emergency, mobilizing relevant institutions, security agencies, and community leaders to address these challenges urgently.
He also pointed out another item on the nomination form regarding the submission of forged certificates, questioning why INEC should not publicly share the educational qualifications of all candidates to foster accountability.
“Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria’s problems are too severe for business as usual in politics,” he stated. “It is time for leadership characterized by competence, character, capacity, compassion, and a commitment to service.”
Obi concluded his message with his campaign slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”