The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for strict punishment for politicians found guilty of forging academic certificates.
In a post on his verified X (formaly Twitter)account on Monday, Obi said Nigeria must end the era where deceit and forgery are rewarded with political power. He emphasized that genuine leadership must begin with truth and integrity.
Obi expressed concern that the Independent National Electorial Commision(INEC) often fails to properly verify candidates’ credentials before elections.
“How do you tell young Nigerians to be honest and upright when those they are supposed to emulate are the least to be emulated because they are criminals and dishonest?” he asked.He described certificate forgery as a serious criminal offence globally, noting that it remains one of the most corrupt practices that should attract severe punishment.
As preparations for the 2027 general election intensify, Obi urged INEC to thoroughly investigate all pending complaints of certificate forgery and false claims by political candidates.
He also proposed an amendment to Nigeria’s electoral laws to compel all candidates—incumbent or new—to submit their academic certificates to INEC immediately after party primaries, at least six months before the election.
“We must deal with certificate forgery holistically with the seriousness and level of criminality it deserves,” Obi said. “Criminal offences should not be dismissed as mere procedural matters. We must end the era where forgery and deceit are rewarded with power. True leadership must begin with truth.”
