2027: We must deal with certificate forgery

Former Anambra Governor Peter Obi has taken a stand against certificate forgery, calling for decisive action against the country’s leaders found guilty of the crime.

Speaking via his official X account on Monday, Obi, who was reacting to media reports that a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet admitted to never being issued a varsity degree, urged that such individuals should be prosecuted.

Obi’s comments come on the heels of an investigative report by Premium Times revealing that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate in the possession of the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji.

According to the institution, the minister failed to complete his studies and was never given a certificate.

In his social media post, Obi faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to scrutinise certificates before elections.

“Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence in all countries of the world. It is one of the most corrupt practices heavily punished.

“… But in my country Nigeria, though the laws are same as in other countries, that forgery is punished by immediate disqualification, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) makes no effort to scrutinize certificates before the elections, overlooks complaints of forgery and when you challenged after the elections, court will dismiss the serious criminal issues as ‘pre-election matters’ without giving this criminal act appropriate punishment.

“INEC, even after the elections, does not bother to revisit or investigate these serious offences before the next election,” he said.

“We are now preparing for the 2027 general elections. INEC have enough time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims.

“Our Electoral amendments must include that anyone intending to contest for any public office, whether an incumbent or a new candidate, must submit all academic certificates to the electoral body immediately after party primaries, at least six months before the election.

“These certificates, alongside details of schools attended, what was studied and years of study, should be made public for verification within 90 days.

“This process must also apply to appointed officials, Ministers and even aides, because when dishonesty starts from the top, it spreads to every level of governance, just like it’s happening now.

“We must deal with certificate forgery holistically with the seriousness and level of criminality it deserves. Criminal offences should not be dismissed as a mere procedural matter.

“We must end the era where forgery and deceit are rewarded with power. True leadership must begin with truth,” Obi added.