By Abiola Olawale
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has praised Uche Nnaji for his resignation as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, amid explosive allegations of certificate forgery.
Obi also seized the moment to rally the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rigorous reforms, demanding mandatory certificate submissions six months before the 2027 elections to safeguard democratic integrity.
He urged that the process should cover all elective positions, from the presidency to local government councillors, stressing that dishonesty and forgery should have no place in leadership.
Obi made this known in a press statement issued on Thursday.
He said: “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.
“These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences.
“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.
“Other nations, like Ghana, have set an example by thoroughly cross-checking the educational claims and credentials of all candidates before elections. Nigeria must not do less.
“It is appalling that our electoral body carries out little or no due diligence in confirming certificates submitted by candidates. Continuous discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials undermine the credibility of our democracy. If we truly desire a free, fair, and credible 2027 election, the process of integrity must begin now.”
The New Diplomat reports that the scandal erupted last week when an investigation alleged that Nnaji fabricated academic credentials, including a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
UNN officials also confirmed Nnaji never completed his studies.
Following the development, Nnaji resigned from his position. However, he maintained that his resignation was not an admission of guilt.
