…says ‘I have nothing to fear’
2027 NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Tuesday, asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to release his academic records following reports of a legal action seeking Certified True Copies of his university certificates and other admission records.
Obi, in a statement on Tuesday on X, said he had no objection to the release of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which he said was awarded by the university in 1984, as well as other academic records relating to his admission and studies at the institution.
The NDC presidential flagbearer’s statement followed reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking CTCs of his degree certificate and other academic credentials.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said.
He called on the UNN to make his academic certificates, records and other official documents available upon legitimate request and within the limits permitted by law.
“I respectfully request that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, within the limits permitted by law, make available, upon legitimate request, my academic certificates, records, and other official documents relating to my admission and studies at the University,” he said.
Obi added that he had no objection to other educational institutions he attended, both within and outside Nigeria, releasing his academic records in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
He said he believed in transparency and accountability, particularly for people seeking public office, but urged that scrutiny be conducted fairly and lawfully.
“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.
Obi, who is seeking to contest the 2027 presidential election, said he welcomed legitimate public interest in his background, qualifications and record.
“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record. I am prepared to subject myself to the level of scrutiny that should reasonably be expected of anyone seeking the highest office in our country,” he said.
The NDC flagbearer also challenged other presidential aspirants to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public scrutiny.
“I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny,” Obi said.
He said such scrutiny should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence and promote accountability rather than as an attack.
“Doing so should not be regarded as an inconvenience or an attack. Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them,” he said.
Obi said leadership should reflect the values expected of the society the country seeks to build, including transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for institutions.
“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,” Obi said.
