Former presidential candidate says public access to qualifications will boost confidence in elections as he calls for leaders to prioritise Nigeria’s security and economic challenges…..
Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make public the academic qualifications submitted by all candidates seeking elective office.
Obi made the appeal in a statement released on Tuesday, arguing that greater transparency in the electoral process would strengthen public trust and improve accountability among political office seekers.
According to him, the nomination forms completed by candidates already require them to disclose whether they have ever submitted forged certificates to the electoral commission, making the publication of their academic credentials a logical step toward promoting openness.
He questioned why the documents submitted to INEC should remain inaccessible to the public if the goal is to ensure that candidates uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Obi said making the certificates available for public scrutiny would reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and encourage greater accountability among those aspiring to lead the country.
Beyond electoral transparency, the former governor also expressed concern over what he described as the misplaced priorities of Nigeria’s political class in the face of worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
Referring to another question contained in the nomination forms, which asks candidates whether they have ever been declared to be of unsound mind, Obi said the country’s current realities demand serious reflection from those in positions of leadership.
He argued that the persistent cases of kidnapping, widespread insecurity, hunger and economic hardship should take precedence over political manoeuvring and partisan interests.
According to Obi, millions of Nigerians continue to face uncertainty as insecurity disrupts daily life and many families struggle to meet basic needs, while public resources are allegedly lost through wasteful spending and questionable government projects.
He maintained that Nigeria’s security and economic crises should be treated as a national emergency requiring coordinated action by government institutions, security agencies, experts and community leaders.
Obi added that effective leadership should be measured by competence, character and a commitment to public service rather than political calculations, urging those in authority to focus on solving the country’s pressing challenges instead of engaging in “politics as usual.”
He said restoring public confidence in governance would require leaders to place the nation’s stability, security and welfare above every other consideration.
