Peter Obi Demands INEC Publish Candidates’ Certificates, Questions Mental Fitness Screening Ahead of 2027 Election

Peter Obi Demands INEC Publish Candidates’ Certificates, Questions Mental Fitness Screening Ahead of 2027 Election

Abuja, Nigeria – Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office, saying greater transparency is essential to restore public confidence in Nigeria's electoral system.

The former Anambra State governor made the demand while commenting on sections of the INEC nomination form that require candidates to disclose whether they have ever submitted a forged certificate or been declared mentally unfit.

Peter Obi Pushes for Greater Electoral Transparency

According to Obi, Nigerians deserve full access to the academic qualifications of individuals seeking public office.

He argued that making candidates' credentials publicly available would promote accountability, discourage electoral fraud, and ensure that only qualified individuals contest elections.

Referring to one of the questions on the INEC nomination form, Obi stated:

«"Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC? Again, the answer is either Yes or No. This raises another important question: Why shouldn't INEC, in the interest of ensuring that our leaders are exemplary in following the rules and to strengthen public confidence in our electoral process, publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office?"»

He maintained that transparency remains one of the strongest foundations of democracy.

«"Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria's problems are too serious for politics as usual. It is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to service."»

Obi Raises Concerns Over Mental Fitness Question

Peter Obi also highlighted another section of the nomination form that asks candidates whether they have ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind.

According to him, the existence of such a question should encourage Nigerians to examine whether current political leaders are demonstrating the qualities expected of responsible and mentally sound leadership.

Without naming specific individuals, Obi argued that Nigeria's worsening security and economic challenges have exposed serious failures in governance.

Nigeria's Security and Economic Crisis

The NDC presidential candidate pointed to rising insecurity, frequent kidnappings, unsafe highways, widespread hunger, and allegations of public fund diversion as evidence that national priorities are not receiving the attention they deserve.

He stressed that a responsible government would treat these issues as a national emergency by mobilizing security agencies, experts, community leaders, and relevant institutions to confront the country's growing challenges.

According to Obi, Nigeria's survival, security, and economic stability should take precedence over political maneuvering and partisan calculations.

He insisted that the country urgently needs leaders driven by competence, integrity, compassion, capacity, and commitment to public service rather than personal political interests.

NDC Confirms Obi's INEC Nomination

The development comes shortly after Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), confirmed that Peter Obi's name had been successfully uploaded to the INEC nomination portal as the party's presidential candidate.

The announcement, however, comes amid legal uncertainty surrounding the opposition party following a court ruling that reportedly voided aspects of its registration process.

Political Reactions Expected

Obi's proposal for INEC to publish the academic qualifications of all candidates is expected to generate nationwide debate as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.

Supporters argue that greater transparency would strengthen Nigeria's democracy and improve accountability, while critics may question how such a policy would be implemented within existing electoral laws.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Obi's latest remarks have once again placed electoral integrity, leadership credibility, and public accountability at the center of Nigeria's national conversation.

Peter Obi, INEC, Peter Obi news, INEC nomination form, Nigeria election 2027, Peter Obi certificates, forged certificate, academic credentials, Nigerian politics, NDC, 2027 presidential election, electoral transparency, Nigeria news today, Peter Obi latest news, INEC portal.