Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make public the academic credentials submitted by candidates seeking elective offices, saying the move would promote transparency and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Obi made the suggestion in a statement issued on Tuesday while reviewing some of the questions contained in INEC’s nomination forms for political candidates.

The former Anambra State governor pointed to a section of the form that asks candidates whether they have ever submitted a forged certificate to the electoral body, arguing that the question raises important issues about accountability and integrity in public service.

According to Obi, if candidates are required to disclose such information, there is no reason why the certificates and credentials they submit should not be made available for public scrutiny.

He said publishing the documents would help ensure that leaders seeking public office are held to high standards and would further strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.

Obi stressed that transparency remains a key pillar of democracy and an essential ingredient for building trust between citizens and public institutions.

The NDC flagbearer also used the statement to express concern over the quality of leadership in the country amid growing insecurity and economic hardship.

He said another question in the nomination form, which asks whether a candidate has ever been declared to be of unsound mind, prompted him to reflect on the state of governance in Nigeria.

Obi questioned whether the nation’s political leaders could genuinely claim to be demonstrating sound judgment while millions of Nigerians continue to face insecurity, hunger and poverty.

He lamented the rising cases of abductions, unsafe highways, worsening economic conditions and the alleged misuse of public funds, arguing that such challenges should take precedence over political calculations.

According to him, Nigeria’s security and economic crises require urgent and coordinated action from government and other critical stakeholders.

Obi said a responsible leadership would have treated the challenges as a national emergency and mobilised security agencies, experts, community leaders and relevant institutions to address them with urgency.

He maintained that the country’s survival, security and stability should remain the top priority of those in power, rather than partisan interests.

The former governor urged political leaders to focus on competence, character and service, insisting that Nigeria’s current challenges demand a departure from politics as usual and a renewed commitment to improving the lives of citizens.