Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has cautioned that Nigeria could face a future of violence if political leaders continue to use forged certificates to run for office.
Speaking on Sunday, Mr. Obi stated that “allowing politicians with fake qualifications to run for office sends the wrong message to Nigerians and weakens trust in leadership”.
“If we keep accepting forged certificates in our elections, violence may become the future of our democracy,” he said, clarifying that credibility and integrity must matter for anyone seeking public office.
The former Anambra State governor shared these thoughts following an attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Bakassi, Cross River State, where suspected thugs damaged property and disrupted a gathering.
Obi characterized the incident as “an assault on democracy itself.”
He warned that such issues, ranging from certificate forgery to violent outbursts, show a decline in democratic standards and could increase tensions leading up to the 2027 elections if left unaddressed.
The presidential aspirant encouraged Nigerians to insist on accountability and thorough vetting of candidates, noting that peaceful elections depend on having qualified and credible leaders.
