National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2027 presidential candidate Peter Obi has given the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and other educational institutions he attended consent to release his academic records upon legitimate requests.
Obi said he had no objection to the release of certified true copies of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which he said was awarded by UNN in 1984, as well as other academic records relating to his admission and studies at the university.
He also gave his consent to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, which he attended to make his academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
In a statement on Tuesday, the former Anambra governor said his position followed reports circulating on social media about legal action by an individual or group seeking certified copies of his academic records and other credentials.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” he said.
He said he believed strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those seeking public office, but stressed that public scrutiny should be fair, lawful and applied consistently to all presidential candidates.
“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record,” Obi said.
The former governor said those seeking public office should be willing to demonstrate through their words and actions that they had nothing to conceal from the people they aspired to serve.
Obi also challenged other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.
He said making such records available should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability and rebuild Nigerians’ trust in those seeking to govern the country.
“Leadership must reflect the values we expect from the society we hope to build. If we desire a Nigeria founded on transparency, integrity, accountability, and respect for institutions, those values must begin with those who seek to lead it,” he said.
Obi reiterated his willingness to subject his academic background to legitimate scrutiny, saying those seeking Nigerians’ trust must be prepared to earn it through openness and accountability.