2027 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Development Congress, Peter Obi, has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to release his academic records following reports of a legal action seeking certified copies of his university credentials and admission documents.
Obi made the call in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, saying 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.
The former Anambra State governor said he was also willing to have other records relating to his admission and studies at the institution released in accordance with applicable laws.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said.
His statement followed reports circulating on social media about a legal action by an individual or group seeking Certified True Copies of his degree certificate and other academic records.
Obi urged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to make his certificates, academic records and other official documents available whenever a legitimate request is made and where such disclosure is 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.
He extended the same position to other educational institutions he had attended in Nigeria and abroad, saying he had no objection to the release of his records where the requests complied with relevant laws and procedures.
Obi said transparency and accountability were particularly important for individuals seeking public office, but stressed that scrutiny should be conducted fairly and within the law.
“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.
The presidential hopeful said he welcomed legitimate public interest in his educational background, qualifications and public record as he seeks the presidency in 2027.
“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.
“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.”
Obi also challenged other presidential aspirants to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public examination.
According to him, such disclosure should not be interpreted as an attack but as a means of strengthening confidence in candidates seeking to govern the country.
“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.
He said political leadership should reflect the values expected in the society Nigerians seek to build, including transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for public 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.
The development comes as scrutiny of the educational credentials of politicians intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi’s statement does not, by itself, resolve any separate legal or factual questions surrounding requests for specific records; such matters remain subject to the relevant institutions, legal procedures and any court proceedings.
