The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has stated that he has no objection to the release of his academic certificates and records by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), saying public office seekers should be open to legitimate scrutiny.
Obi made the position known in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to reports circulating on social media about a legal action seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, awarded by UNN in 1984, as well as other documents relating to his admission into the university.
He said he had no reservations about the release of the requested records.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor appealed to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to make his academic certificates, records and other official documents available, provided such requests comply with the law.
He also extended the same position to other institutions he attended within and outside Nigeria.
“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.
“I equally have no objection to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, which I attended, making my academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.”
Obi stressed that transparency and accountability should be expected from anyone seeking public office, adding that public scrutiny must remain fair, lawful and be applied equally to all candidates.
According to him, anyone aspiring to lead Nigeria should be ready to make their background, qualifications and public record available for examination.
“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 added that leaders must show Nigerians through both words and actions that they have nothing to hide.
Obi also called on every presidential candidate to voluntarily make their educational qualifications and other relevant records available for public scrutiny.
He argued that such openness should not be seen as an attack but as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence and rebuild trust in leadership.
“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,” he stated.
The former Governor of Anambra State concluded the statement by reaffirming his belief that transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for institutions should remain the foundation of leadership, ending with his campaign slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible”.
