Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for stern punishment against politicians involved in certificate forgery, describing it as a serious criminal offence that undermines the nation’s integrity.

In a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, the former Anambra State governor condemned the growing culture of deceit in politics, insisting that true leadership must begin with truth.

Obi lamented that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has failed to properly verify candidates’ credentials before elections, allowing people with questionable records to occupy positions of power.

“How do you tell young Nigerians to be honest and upright when those they are supposed to emulate are the least to be emulated because they are criminals and dishonest?” he asked.

He emphasised that certificate forgery is a grave offence worldwide, and should be treated as such in Nigeria.

“Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence in all countries of the world. It is one of the most corrupt practices heavily punished,” Obi wrote.

The 2023 presidential candidate urged INEC to thoroughly investigate past and ongoing cases of forgery ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that the electoral body has enough time to act decisively.

He also proposed a reform that would compel all political candidates to submit their academic certificates at least six months before elections, giving room for verification.

“We must end the era where forgery and deceit are rewarded with power. True leadership must begin with truth,” Obi stated firmly.

Obi’s comments come amid renewed public debate over the authenticity of academic documents submitted by some Nigerian politicians in past elections.