Obi questions Tinubu’s educational records, says leaders must uphold integrity

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned the disputed educational records of President Bola Tinubu, saying issues concerning the integrity and character of public office holders go beyond court judgments.

Obi made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Arise Television on Thursday while responding to questions about controversies surrounding Tinubu’s educational status and the presidency’s position that the matter had already been resolved by the courts.

He questioned how a person could complete the process of gaining university admission without indicating primary and secondary school education in official documents. According to him, such issues should be examined within the broader context of morality, integrity and the values society seeks to uphold.

“These are things you can even look at and say, well, listen, I made a mistake. Let me not continue with this. Because this is more, and for the society, this is time I expect every woman and man in person to be out there collectively for us to save values and integrity of the society,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor said leaders should serve as examples to younger generations, recalling an experience in Indonesia where he asked about the qualifications required to become president. He said the response he received showed the importance attached to qualifications and standards for public office.

Obi also said he would concede defeat in the 2027 presidential election if the poll was free, fair and credible. However, he maintained that he won the 2023 presidential election, saying he would continue to hold that position based on the records of the election.

He rejected the idea of a “turn-by-turn” presidency, saying elections should not be determined by ethnicity or religion. Obi also highlighted his educational and professional training, saying he had studied at institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Columbia and Kellogg, and challenged anyone who found inaccuracies in his certificates to come forward.

Obi added that he was committed to providing a government that would directly engage with ordinary Nigerians, recalling his visits to communities and schools while serving as Anambra governor.