By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that he has no objection to the release of his academic records, urging institutions where he studied to make the documents available for legitimate scrutiny.
Obi, in a statement released on his X handle on Tuesday, said his attention had been drawn to reports on social media concerning legal action by an individual or group seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, awarded by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in 1984, as well as other academic records relating to his admission and studies.
He said he had “absolutely no objection” to the release of the records, adding that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, should, within the limits permitted by law, make available his academic certificates, records and other official documents upon any legitimate request.
The former Anambra State governor also said he had no objection to other educational institutions in Nigeria and abroad that he attended making his academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
According to him, transparency and accountability are particularly important for individuals seeking the privilege of holding public office.
“Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation,” he said.
Obi said as a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians, he welcomed legitimate public interest in his background, qualifications and record, stressing that he was prepared to undergo the level of scrutiny reasonably expected of anyone seeking the highest office in the country.
He maintained that political leaders must demonstrate through their words and actions that they had nothing to conceal from the people they sought to serve.
The NDC presidential candidate consequently challenged other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.
He said such disclosure should not be viewed as an inconvenience or an attack, but rather as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability and rebuild Nigerians’ trust in political leaders.
“Leadership must reflect the values we expect from the society we hope to build,” Obi said, adding that transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for institutions must begin with those seeking to lead the country.
He reiterated his willingness to subject his academic background to scrutiny, saying those asking Nigerians for their trust must also be ready to earn it through openness and accountability.
Precise Post recalls that some members of the Labour Party has alleged that Obi certificate has some deficiencies and has approached University of Nigeria Nsukka to release the result for them.
