Labour Party leader and 2023 presidential flag bearer, Mr. Peter Obi, has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to raise the bar of integrity by thoroughly screening candidates’ credentials before the 2027 elections.
Obi warned that Nigeria risks deepening its crisis of leadership if people who forge documents continue to gain access to public office unchecked.
“Many of those occupying public office today scaled through 2023 with forged certificates and fraudulent affidavits. INEC, security agencies, and even the legislature looked away. This cannot continue. The process of getting into office is more fundamental than what anyone does thereafter,” Obi said.
Writing on his verified X handle under the theme “The danger of making crime a norm,” Obi lamented that forgery — a crime that attracts instant disqualification and prosecution worldwide — is trivialized in Nigeria, often dismissed as “pre-election matters.”
He stressed that this double standard undermines the moral foundation of leadership:
“How do we ask young Nigerians to be honest when those meant to be role models are dishonest? When dishonesty is rewarded with power, corruption becomes the national culture.”
Obi cited his recent policy visit to Indonesia, where the electoral commission told him any candidate caught with forged certificates would be immediately disqualified and prosecuted. He urged Nigeria to adopt the same uncompromising stance.
To prevent a repeat of 2023, Obi proposed sweeping reforms to include, Early scrutiny requiring Thatall candidates must submit academic certificates to INEC immediately after party primaries — at least six months before elections, Public verification: Certificates and school records should be published within 90 days for open vetting and Wider application that would make same standards to be applicable to appointed officials, including ministers and aides.
Obi said INEC still has time before 2027 to revisit past forgery complaints and restore public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“We must deal with certificate forgery with the seriousness it deserves. It is a crime, not a technicality. If we keep rewarding deceit, we will never build the Nigeria of our dreams. A New Nigeria is POssible.”