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The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to release his academic records following a legal action seeking access to documents relating to his university credentials.
Obi made the request in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, saying he had no objection to the release of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which he said he obtained from UNN in 1984.
The development followed a suit filed by Labour Party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi against UNN over the alleged refusal to provide Certified True Copies of records relating to Obi’s degree.
In his statement, Obi said he had “absolutely no objection” to the release of his academic records.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor specifically asked UNN to make his academic certificates, admission records and other official documents available upon any legitimate request and within the limits permitted by law.
“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,” he said.
Arabambi’s suit, filed at the High Court in Abuja, seeks an order compelling UNN and its Vice-Chancellor to respond to his request for the records. The case was filed on September 9, 2026.
According to reports on the court action, Arabambi requested a Certified True Copy of Certificate No. D000198, said to relate to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy awarded to Obi in 1984. He also sought other institutional and academic records connected to the degree.
Arabambi said he initially wrote to the university on July 16 and later sent a reminder on August 31. He alleged that the institution did not provide the requested documents or issue a written refusal explaining the legal basis for withholding them.
Obi also said other educational institutions he attended, both in Nigeria and abroad, could release his records in line with applicable laws and procedures.
He said transparency and accountability were particularly important for people seeking public office.
“I believe strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office. Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation,” he said.
Obi said he welcomed legitimate interest in his background, qualifications and record as he seeks the presidency in 2027.
“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record,” he said.
“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.”
The NDC candidate also called on other presidential aspirants to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.
“I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny,” he said.
According to Obi, such scrutiny should be treated as an avenue for strengthening public confidence and promoting accountability.
“Doing so should not be regarded as an inconvenience or an attack. Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them,” he said.
He added that those seeking political office should reflect the values they expect to promote, including transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for institutions.
The suit against UNN is one of three separate legal actions reportedly filed by Arabambi concerning Obi’s educational and service records. The other cases involve the West African Examinations Council and the National Youth Service Corps.
