Peter Obi Calls For More Electoral Transparency

Peter Obi urges INEC to publish candidates’ credentials as Nigeria faces growing concerns over leadership, security and public trust.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by all candidates contesting elective positions. He said the move would improve electoral transparency and help restore confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Obi made the appeal in a Facebook post on Tuesday while discussing the questions included in the INEC nomination form he completed. He said one section asked whether a candidate had ever been declared a lunatic or considered to be of unsound mind.

The former Anambra State governor said the question made him think about whether Nigeria’s political leaders currently show the qualities needed for responsible and effective leadership. He argued that the country’s serious security challenges and economic difficulties require more urgent attention than political activities.

“When Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abd¥cted into the bushes, citizens cannot travel safely on our highways, several million Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from… should politics really be our primary preoccupation?” he asked.

Obi said good leadership should treat the nation’s security and humanitarian problems as a national emergency. He called for cooperation among security agencies, experts, community leaders and other key stakeholders to find solutions quickly.

He also pointed to another question on the INEC form about whether candidates had submitted forged certificates. According to Obi, publishing academic qualifications would support accountability in elections and strengthen public confidence.

“Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria’s problems are too serious for politics as usual. It is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to service,” Obi stated.

The debate over electoral transparency continues as Nigerians look for stronger standards in political leadership.

Do you think publishing candidates’ credentials would improve trust in Nigeria’s elections?