ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to release his academic records, following a legal action filed by a Labour Party chieftain, Abayomi Arabambi, seeking to compel the institution to produce the documents.
Obi made the call on Monday during an interview on Arise TV, where he responded to questions about the controversy surrounding his academic credentials. He said he had nothing to hide and that the university should release his records to put the matter to rest once and for all.
“I have said it repeatedly: I have nothing to hide. My records are there at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. If anybody wants to see them, the university should release them. Let the public see my records. Let them scrutinise them. I am not afraid of anything,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra governor said he had written to the university to request the release of his academic records, but had not received a response. He urged the institution to act promptly, noting that the controversy was distracting from the issues that matter to Nigerians.
“I have written to the university, and I am waiting for their response. I want the records released. I want this matter settled so that we can focus on the real issues: the economy, security, education, healthcare, and the future of our young people,” he said.
The controversy stems from a lawsuit filed by Arabambi at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order of mandamus to compel the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to release Obi’s academic records under the Freedom of Information Act. Arabambi alleged that the university had refused to respond to his request for a Certified True Copy of Obi’s certificate and academic records, prompting him to seek judicial intervention.
The university has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but sources within the institution indicated that the records would be released in accordance with the law. The institution is reportedly reviewing the request and will respond appropriately.
Obi’s supporters have dismissed the controversy as a politically motivated distraction aimed at damaging his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections. They noted that Obi had consistently maintained that his records are genuine and that he had nothing to hide. They accused his critics of pursuing a vendetta rather than focusing on the issues that matter to Nigerians.
“The desperation of those who are afraid of Peter Obi’s growing popularity is evident. They have tried everything, and they have failed. Obi’s records are genuine, and the university will confirm that when the records are released,” said a spokesman for the Obi campaign.
Legal analysts say the case raises important questions about the scope of the Freedom of Information Act and the obligations of public institutions to respond to requests for information. If the court grants the order of mandamus, it would compel the university to release the requested records, potentially setting a precedent for similar requests in the future.
For now, the matter awaits judicial consideration, and Obi’s call for the release of his records adds pressure on the university to act. As the 2027 elections approach, the controversy is likely to remain a subject of public discourse, with both sides seeking to score political points. But for Obi, the message is clear: he has nothing to hide, and he wants the records released so that the focus can shift to the issues that matter to Nigerians.
