By Emmanuel Kwada
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised alarm over Nigeria’s lax approach to certificate forgery, a serious crime globally, warning that normalizing such criminality threatens the nation’s integrity.
Speaking on the pervasive issue of dishonesty in public office, Obi criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary for failing to address certificate forgery, allowing dishonest individuals to evade scrutiny and assume leadership roles.
“Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence worldwide, heavily punished,” Obi stated, recounting a discussion with Indonesia’s General Elections Commission Chairman earlier this year.
“In Indonesia, forging a certificate leads to immediate disqualification and prosecution. Yet, in Nigeria, INEC overlooks complaints, and courts dismiss these crimes as ‘pre-election matters’ without proper punishment.”
Obi expressed dismay at how individuals with forged credentials bypass security, parliamentary, and governmental checks, often swearing affidavits to falsely authenticate their documents.
“When those meant to be exemplary become the source of decay, how do we tell young Nigerians to be honest?” he questioned, emphasizing that Nigeria’s failure to address this issue undermines trust in governance.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Obi urged INEC to investigate past forgery complaints and proposed electoral reforms. He recommended that candidates submit academic certificates to INEC immediately after party primaries, at least six months before elections, with details publicly verified within 90 days.
This process, he argued, should extend to appointed officials, including ministers and aides, to curb the spread of dishonesty from the top.
“Criminal offences like forgery should not be dismissed as procedural matters,” Obi asserted. “We must end the era where deceit is rewarded with power. True leadership begins with truth.”
Obi’s call for a “New Nigeria” emphasizes tackling certificate forgery with the seriousness it deserves, warning that failure to act risks normalizing crime and eroding public trust.
As Nigeria prepares for 2027, his remarks underscore the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
