Peter Obi, the former Labour Party Presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to verify the certificates of candidates running for public office. This move aims to prevent individuals with questionable backgrounds from being elected into positions of power.
Obi made this statement on his social media platform, where he highlighted the issue of many public office holders possessing forged certificates, backed by fraudulent affidavits. He claimed that these individuals were able to pass through the screening processes of INEC, security agencies, and the Senate with these fake documents in 2023.
The former governor of Anambra State expressed concern over the normalization of crime in the country, where those in positions of authority are often the ones engaging in dishonest practices. He noted that this can have a negative impact on young Nigerians, who are supposed to look up to their leaders as role models. Obi questioned how the nation can expect its youth to be honest and upright when those in power are not setting a good example.
Obi criticized INEC for not taking sufficient action to address this issue, even after the elections. He stated that the electoral commission does not bother to investigate these serious offenses before the next election, allowing individuals with questionable backgrounds to continue participating in the electoral process.
The call for certificate verification is significant, given the importance of ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. If implemented, this measure could help to prevent individuals with forged certificates from being elected into public office, promoting a more transparent and accountable system. As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the need for robust measures to prevent electoral malpractices and ensure the credibility of its leaders remains a pressing concern.
