Peter Obi commends Minister Nnaji’s resignation over certificate scandal

…Urges INEC to verify candidates’ credentials ahead of 2027 polls

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has commended the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, following controversies surrounding discrepancies in his academic credentials.

Mr Nnaji, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023, resigned earlier this week after an investigative report by Premium Times alleged that he submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates to the Senate during his ministerial nomination process.

In a statement shared via his official X account on Thursday, Mr Obi described Nnaji’s decision as “a decent and honourable step,” saying it demonstrates accountability and moral responsibility in public service.

He said: “It is commendable that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, has resigned following the controversy surrounding discrepancies in his academic certificates. That is a decent and honourable step. These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences.”

The former Anambra State Governor urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to commence immediate verification of the academic and professional certificates of all political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He emphasised that the process should apply to every elective office from the presidency to local government councillors insisting that dishonesty and forgery have no place in public leadership.

“As a matter of urgency, this is the time for a comprehensive national review of the qualification and background verification process for all public office holders. Other nations, like Ghana, have set an example by thoroughly cross-checking the educational claims and credentials of all candidates before elections. Nigeria must not do less,” Obi added.

The Labour Party stalwart expressed concern that INEC conducts little or no due diligence in verifying documents submitted by candidates, noting that persistent cases of false declarations and certificate forgeries threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.

“If we truly desire a free, fair, and credible 2027 election, the process of integrity must begin now. Let truth, transparency, and accountability form the foundation of leadership in our dear country,” he stated.

Obi urged all public office holders and aspiring candidates to make their academic documents publicly accessible, stressing that the future of Nigeria depends on leaders whose integrity is unquestionable.

https://x.com/IyiolaOmisoreDr/status/1974444103015252052?t=MKm-MB0hUETGJnoTYye5DQ&s=19