Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has praised the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, following allegations of certificate forgery.
Nnaji, appointed by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023, stepped down earlier this week after an investigation by Premium Times revealed he allegedly submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates during his ministerial screening process.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Obi described the minister’s resignation as “a decent and honourable step,” adding that such decisions reinforce accountability and integrity in public office.
“It is commendable that the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, has resigned following the controversy surrounding discrepancies in his academic certificates. That is a decent and honourable step,” Obi wrote.
“These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences.”
The former governor of Anambra State urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to conduct thorough verification of the academic and professional qualifications of all political aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He stressed that the verification process must apply to all levels of public office from presidential candidates to local government councillors to eliminate dishonesty and document forgery in Nigeria’s political system.
“As a matter of urgency, this is the time for a comprehensive national review of the qualification and background verification process for all public office holders,” Obi said.
“Countries like Ghana have already set an example by thoroughly verifying the academic claims of their candidates. Nigeria must not lag behind.”
Obi criticized the electoral commission for its perceived lack of diligence in verifying candidates’ credentials, warning that such oversight erodes public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“If we truly desire a free, fair, and credible 2027 election, the process of integrity must begin now,” he stated.
“Continuous discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials undermine the credibility of our democracy.”
He concluded by calling for greater transparency and public access to candidates’ academic records, stating that truth and accountability must form the foundation of leadership in Nigeria.
“Let truth, transparency, and accountability form the foundation of leadership in our dear country. Only then can we build a Nigeria where public service is anchored on honour, not deceit. We must get it right.”
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