Obi warns forged certificates in elections could cause political violence

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy could face growing instability if politicians seeking public office are allowed to present forged academic certificates without consequences.

In a statement released on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor expressed concern that the tolerance of such practices in the electoral process sends a dangerous signal about leadership standards and accountability in the country.

According to Obi, allowing individuals with questionable qualifications to contest elections undermines the integrity of the democratic system and risks encouraging frustration among citizens who expect transparency and credibility from political leaders.

“The ability for individuals to present forged certificates for election sends a troubling message to our society,” Obi said.

“If we continue down this path, violence may become the future of our democracy. We must recognise that fraud and violence cannot create true leadership.”

Obi argued that leadership positions require integrity, competence, and verifiable credentials, noting that weakening those requirements erodes public trust in governance.

The former presidential candidate further stated that Nigeria risks damaging the foundations of its democratic institutions if basic qualifications and credibility are no longer treated as essential criteria for individuals seeking elective office.

Obi raises concerns over declining leadership standards

Expanding on his concerns, Obi said the apparent disregard for qualifications and credibility in the political space reflects a broader decline in leadership standards across the country.

He warned that when societies stop prioritising competence and integrity in leadership selection, governance structures become vulnerable to abuse and mismanagement.

“In the current state of Nigeria, what can we expect when leadership standards have plummeted to the extent that qualification, certification, and credibility are no longer deemed necessary for public office?” he said.

Obi stressed that democracy depends not only on elections but also on the credibility of candidates who seek public trust.

According to him, allowing individuals accused of certificate forgery or similar misconduct to remain in the political arena without proper scrutiny risks weakening democratic institutions and eroding public confidence in the electoral system.

Political analysts have often emphasised that controversies surrounding academic qualifications have become recurring issues in Nigeria’s political environment, occasionally triggering legal disputes and public debate over candidate eligibility.

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Obi’s remarks appear to reflect broader concerns among some political stakeholders that stronger verification mechanisms may be necessary to maintain the credibility of the electoral process.

Condemns attack on ADC office in Cross River

The former presidential candidate also condemned an attack on the office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Bakassi, Cross River State, describing the incident as another example of the threats facing Nigeria’s democracy.

According to Obi, the destruction of party property by suspected thugs represents more than a local political dispute and should be treated as an assault on democratic institutions.

“What occurred at the ADC office in Bakassi, Cross River State, is not merely an attack on a political party; it is an attack on democracy itself,” he said.

“When thugs can storm a party office and destroy property without facing arrest, it reflects how dangerously low our democratic standards have fallen.”

He called on security agencies to ensure that individuals responsible for such attacks are identified and prosecuted in order to discourage similar incidents in the future.

Obi added that political violence and electoral misconduct pose serious risks to the country’s stability if not addressed through firm institutional responses.

According to him, Nigeria’s democratic future depends on a system that prioritises integrity, accountability and the rule of law.

“Fraud and violence cannot produce genuine leadership,” Obi said, warning that continued tolerance of such practices could ultimately create a cycle of instability that affects both present and future generations.