From Emma Elekwa, Awka
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed legitimate public scrutiny of his academic credentials, saying he has no objection to the release of his educational records.
Obi made this known in a statement following reports circulating on social media about a 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 records relating to his admission and studies.
He said he had no objection to UNN making his academic certificates, records and other official documents available upon legitimate request and within the limits permitted by law.
He similarly gave consent to other educational institutions he attended, within and outside Nigeria, to release his academic records in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
Obi said transparency and accountability were particularly important for individuals seeking public office, stressing that public scrutiny must be fair, lawful and applied consistently to all presidential candidates.
“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 said.
He added that anyone seeking the highest office in the country should be prepared to undergo reasonable scrutiny and demonstrate through both words and actions that they had nothing to conceal from the people they sought to serve.
Obi also challenged other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny, arguing that such disclosure should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability and rebuild trust in political leadership.
He maintained that leadership must reflect the values Nigerians expect in the society they seek to build, including transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for institutions.
“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 stated.