Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he has no objection to the release of his academic records amid reports of a legal action seeking certified true copies of his certificates and other educational documents.
Obi made his position known in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, saying he had authorised the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to release his academic records and other official documents relating to his admission and studies, subject to applicable laws.
His statement followed reports circulating on social media about a legal action by an individual or group seeking certified true copies of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and other academic credentials connected to his admission to the university.
Obi said, “I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records.”
He urged UNN, within the limits permitted by law, to make his academic certificates, records and other official documents available upon legitimate request.
He also said 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.
Obi said he believed strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for individuals seeking public office, but stressed that scrutiny must 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,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor said he was prepared to undergo the level of scrutiny reasonably expected of anyone seeking the nation’s highest office.
He added that presidential candidates should be willing to subject themselves to legitimate scrutiny and demonstrate that they had nothing to hide from the people they sought to serve.
Obi subsequently challenged other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public scrutiny.
According to him, such disclosure should not be viewed as an inconvenience or an attack but as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability and rebuild Nigerians’ trust in political leaders.
He maintained that transparency, integrity and accountability should begin with those seeking to lead the country.
“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.
