In the midst of the ongoing controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records, Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has emphasized the need for political office holders in Nigeria to possess verifiable identity and authentic credentials.
Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Symposium at Princeton University in the United States, Obi stressed the importance of fostering a political landscape driven by competence and commitment to the rule of law. The symposium occurred amid the legal battle over President Tinubu’s academic records, which former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sought to obtain from Chicago State University (CSU).
A court ruled in favor of Atiku, ordering CSU to release Tinubu’s records; however, President Tinubu has filed a suit to prevent the release. Obi, while addressing the audience, underscored the necessity for leaders in Africa’s largest economy to uphold the rule of law and possess credentials that can be verified.
“We must have leadership that is committed to the rule of law… that has an identity and credentials that can be verified. We can start thinking of a new Nigeria with competence and capacity that is committed to fighting corruption. Is it possible to fight corruption? The answer is yes! The trouble with Nigeria is self-inflicted,” Obi asserted.
Obi also lamented the current state of affairs in Nigeria, highlighting the challenges and rascality that have become associated with success. He called for a shift in the prevailing mindset and urged a commitment to competence and capacity as essential criteria for leadership.
It’s worth noting that Peter Obi is among those who have filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the tribunal’s ruling that upheld Tinubu’s victory. The unfolding events reflect the broader discourse on leadership, transparency, and credibility in Nigeria’s political landscape.
