Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Senate, and all relevant authorities to take firm action against certificate forgery ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, who contested in the 2023 presidential election, expressed deep concern that many individuals currently holding public office allegedly presented forged academic certificates and fraudulent affidavits, yet scaled through the scrutiny of INEC, security agencies, and even the National Assembly.
In a statement released by the Peter Obi Media Research (POMR) and signed by its spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar, Obi stressed that the process through which a person gets into office is more important than what they do after winning elections.
“We must deal with certificate forgery holistically with the seriousness and level of criminality it deserves. Criminal offences should not be dismissed as a mere procedural matter,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor described certificate forgery as a serious criminal offence across the world, adding that it undermines the credibility of the Nigerian political system.
Obi recounted his visit to Indonesia, where he met with President Joko Widodo, top government officials, and the Chairman of the General Elections Commission. According to him, when he asked what would happen if a politician in Indonesia submitted a forged certificate, he was told such a person would be immediately disqualified and prosecuted.
“The Chairman looked shocked when I asked that question. He said if someone can forge a certificate, how can that person be trusted to lead others?” Obi recalled.
He contrasted this with Nigeria, where he said INEC often fails to thoroughly verify candidates’ documents before elections, and courts later dismiss forgery cases as “pre-election matters.”
“INEC, even after the elections, does not bother to revisit or investigate these serious offences before the next election,” Obi lamented.
He noted that it was even more disturbing that many of those who allegedly submitted forged certificates also swore affidavits in court, compounding the offence. He stressed that this level of dishonesty from leaders damages the moral fabric of the country.
Obi urged INEC and the National Assembly to implement strong reforms before 2027. He recommended that:
All candidates, whether new or returning, must submit their academic certificates immediately after party primaries, at least six months before elections.
These documents, along with details of schools attended, courses studied, and years of study, should be made public for verification.
The 90-day public verification window would allow Nigerians and relevant agencies to fact-check and report inconsistencies.
The same rule should apply to appointed officials, including ministers and aides.
“When dishonesty starts from the top, it spreads to every level of governance, just like it’s happening now,” Obi said.
He called on the National Assembly to treat forgery as the criminal act it is and not simply a technical issue. He argued that punishing certificate forgers will send a strong message that leadership must begin with integrity.
“We must end the era where forgery and deceit are rewarded with power. A new Nigeria is possible, but only if we put truth and integrity first,” Obi concluded.
