Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that he has no objection to the legitimate scrutiny of his academic qualifications and educational records, including his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy awarded by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in 1984.
Obi made his position known in a statement following reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of his university certificate, admission records and other academic documents relating to his studies at UNN.
The former Anambra State governor said he was not opposed to the release of the documents and urged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to make his academic records available whenever a legitimate request is made, subject to applicable laws and established procedures.
“My attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of my Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, awarded to me in 1984 by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as other academic records and credentials relating to my admission into the University,” Obi said.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records.”
Obi also extended the position to other educational institutions he attended, both within and outside Nigeria.
He said he had no objection to any of the institutions making his academic records available in accordance with the law and relevant procedures.
The NDC presidential candidate stressed that he believed strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly in relation to individuals seeking public office.
According to him, Nigerians have the right to scrutinise the qualifications, background and records of those seeking their mandate, especially candidates aspiring to occupy the highest political office in the country.
Obi, however, maintained that such scrutiny must be conducted fairly, lawfully and consistently.
“I believe strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office. Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation,” he said.
He added that, as a presidential candidate seeking the confidence of Nigerians, he was prepared to submit himself to the level of scrutiny that should reasonably be expected of anyone seeking the presidency.
The former governor said political leaders should be willing to demonstrate through both their words and actions that they have nothing to conceal from the citizens they seek to serve.
“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record,” he stated.
“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 further challenged other presidential candidates to adopt a similar approach by making their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public examination.
He argued that transparency should not be viewed as an inconvenience or an attempt to undermine a candidate, but rather as an important component of democratic accountability.
“In that same spirit, I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny,” he said.
According to him, such openness could help strengthen public confidence in the political process and contribute to rebuilding trust between Nigerians and those seeking to govern them.
He maintained that leadership should reflect the values that citizens expect to see in the society they want to build.
For Obi, values such as transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for institutions should begin with those seeking political leadership.
“Leadership must reflect the values we expect from the society we hope to build,” he said. “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.”
The statement comes amid renewed public discussions about the academic qualifications of political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi’s decision to welcome the release and examination of his academic records could potentially shift the focus of the controversy towards the broader principle of transparency in public life.
Rather than treating the request for his academic records as an attack, he said he viewed legitimate scrutiny as an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate openness and strengthen public confidence.
He consequently reaffirmed his willingness to have his academic background examined through lawful and appropriate channels.
“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.
The NDC presidential candidate concluded by restating his belief in the possibility of building a different Nigeria founded on stronger standards of accountability and responsible leadership.
“A New Nigeria is Possible,” he declared.
The statement places transparency and public accountability at the centre of Obi’s response to the controversy, while also challenging other presidential contenders to subject their own qualifications and records to legitimate scrutiny as Nigerians prepare for another closely watched electoral contest in 2027.
