The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged other presidential candidates to make their academic qualifications and relevant records available for public scrutiny.
Obi made the call while responding to reports of a legal action, seeking the certified true copies of his university certificate and other academic records from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The former Anambra State governor, in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, said he has no objection to the release of his academic records by the UNN or other institutions he attended.
Obi said he is prepared to subject his educational background to scrutiny, provided such scrutiny was conducted through lawful procedures.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” he said.
He specifically urged UNN to make available his academic certificates, admission records and other official documents relating to his studies at the institution upon any legitimate request and within the limits permitted by law.
Obi said he also has no objection to other educational institutions he attended in Nigeria and abroad releasing his records in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
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The NDC presidential candidate said transparency is particularly important for politicians seeking public office, arguing that Nigerians have a legitimate interest in verifying the qualifications and backgrounds of those seeking to govern the country.
“I believe strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office,” he said.
He, however, cautioned against selective scrutiny, saying public examination of candidates should be fair, lawful and consistently applied.
“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record.
“I am prepared to subject myself to the level of scrutiny that should reasonably be expected of anyone seeking the highest office in our country,” Obi said.
Obi, who said his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy was awarded by UNN in 1984, then called on other presidential candidates to similarly open their academic records to Nigerians.
“I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny,” he said.
According to him, such disclosure should not be treated as an attack or inconvenience but as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s political system.
He said candidates seeking Nigerians’ votes should be willing to demonstrate transparency, integrity and accountability before asking citizens to entrust them with the country’s leadership.
“I therefore welcome the scrutiny of my academic background and remain committed to the principle that those who ask Nigerians for their trust must also be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability,” Obi said.
