The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he has no objection to the release of his academic records, following reports of a legal action seeking certified copies of his university certificates and other educational documents.
Obi made his position known in a statement posted on his official X handle on Tuesday, September 15, saying he was prepared to have his academic credentials subjected to legitimate scrutiny.
He said the legal action, reportedly initiated by an individual or group, seeks 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 records relating to his admission and studies at the institution.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said.
He urged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to make his certificates, academic records and other official documents available where such requests comply with applicable laws.
The former Anambra State governor also said he had no objection to other institutions he attended, within and outside Nigeria, releasing his academic records in accordance with relevant procedures.
Obi said public scrutiny was necessary for anyone seeking political office, but stressed that such scrutiny should be conducted fairly and within the law.
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“I believe strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office. Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation,” he said.
The NDC candidate said he welcomed legitimate interest in his qualifications and public record, adding that those seeking the presidency should be willing to demonstrate that they have nothing to conceal.
He also challenged other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public examination.
According to Obi, such disclosure should be viewed as a way of strengthening confidence in political leadership rather than as an attack.
He said transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for institutions should begin with those seeking to govern the country.
“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 said.
His statement follows a suit by Labour Party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi, at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the West African Examinations Council, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the National Youth Service Corps, seeking access to official records relating to Obi’s credentials under the Freedom of Information Act.
However The Labour Party has disowned Arabambi, saying he is no longer a member and has no authority to act on its behalf in the legal actions concerning Peter Obi’s academic and National Youth Service Corps records.