Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed the legal action seeking Certified True Copies of his academic records from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Obi, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said 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, as well as other records relating to his admission and studies.
“My attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of my Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, awarded to me in 1984 by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as other academic records and credentials relating to my admission into the University. I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” he said.
Obi’s reaction followed a legal action by Labour Party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi, who filed separate suits against West Africa Examinations Council, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and National Youth Service Corps, seeking access to Certified True Copies and other official records relating to Obi’s educational history from the institutions.
The UNN case, filed on September 9, seeks CTCs and institutional records relating to a 1984 BA Philosophy certificate, urging the court to compel disclosure.
Obi in his reaction said the University of Nigeria should make the records available to anyone who makes a legitimate request, subject to applicable laws, noting that he had no objection to other educational institutions he attended, both within and outside Nigeria, releasing his academic records in accordance with established laws and procedures.
“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. I equally have no objection to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, which I attended, making my academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and procedures,” he said.
He argued that public scrutiny was an important part of accountability for individuals seeking elective office, particularly the Presidency.
“I believe strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office,” he said.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, said scrutiny of candidates must nevertheless be conducted fairly, lawfully and consistently.
“Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation,” he said.
The former governor challenged other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public scrutiny.
“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record. 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. Those who seek to lead must be willing to demonstrate, through both their words and actions, that they have nothing to conceal from the people they aspire to serve,” he said.
Obi said such disclosure should not be interpreted as an attack or inconvenience but as a means of strengthening public confidence in political leaders.
“Leadership must reflect the values we expect from the society we hope to build. If we desire a Nigeria founded on transparency, integrity, accountability, and respect for institutions, those values must begin with those who seek to lead it,” he said.
The ICIR reports that in a suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2144/2026 and filed on September 9, 2026, Arabambi said he requested a Certified True Copy of Obi’s 1984 Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy certificate, Certificate No. D000198, along with the academic records and other official documents supporting the award.
The Labour party chieftain said his request, made under the Freedom of Information Act 2011, was received by UNN on August 6, but the university neither released the records nor issued a written refusal citing the relevant exemption under the Act.
He said he sent a reminder on August 31, which UNN received on September 1, but the institution still failed to respond.
Arabambi is therefore asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling UNN and its Vice-Chancellor to perform their statutory duties under the FOI Act and respond to his request.
He is seeking 19 reliefs from the court.
The ICIR reports that Obi will contest against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other candidates in the election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Nanji is an investigative journalist with the ICIR. She has years of experience in reporting and broadcasting human angle stories, gender inequalities, minority stories, and human rights issues. She has documented sexual war crimes in armed conflict, sex for grades in Nigerian Universities, harmful traditional practices and human trafficking.