ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has authorised the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to release his academic records, saying candidates seeking to govern Nigeria should be prepared to subject their qualifications and backgrounds to public scrutiny.
Obi made the position known on Tuesday in a statement posted on X, following reports of a legal action seeking certified true copies of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and other records connected to his admission and studies at the university.
Rather than oppose the disclosure, the former Anambra State governor said he had no objection to UNN making his records available to any legitimate requester, provided the process complied with applicable laws.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records.
“I respectfully request that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, within the limits permitted by law, make available, upon legitimate request, my academic certificates, records, and other official documents relating to my admission and studies at the University.
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“I equally have no objection to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, which I attended, making my academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.”
Obi said public interest in the qualifications of presidential candidates was legitimate, but insisted that scrutiny must be conducted fairly and according to the law.
He argued that anyone seeking the trust of Nigerians to occupy the highest political office should be willing to make relevant information about their background and qualifications available for verification.
“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record. 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,” he said.
The NDC candidate subsequently extended the issue beyond his own academic history, challenging other presidential contenders to similarly open up their educational qualifications and relevant records for public examination.
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According to Obi, such disclosure should not be treated as an attack on candidates but as part of the process of building confidence among voters.
“Doing so should not be regarded as an inconvenience or an attack. Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them,” he said.
He maintained that transparency and accountability should apply from the point at which individuals seek public office, arguing that candidates must demonstrate through their conduct that they have nothing to hide from the electorate.
According to Vanguard, Obi said his willingness to have his records examined was consistent with his broader position that public officials and those seeking political power should be subjected to reasonable scrutiny.
“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,” he added.