The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over an alleged attempt to prevent the release of records concerning his past, saying the Presidency must exemplify integrity, accountability and transparency.
Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Sunday, where he expressed concern over what he described as the direction of the country under the present administration.
The former Anambra State governor said he was profoundly embarrassed that a sitting Nigerian President was asking a foreign court to withhold records relating to his past, particularly matters he described as being of legitimate public interest.
According to Obi, political leadership requires the courage to confront one’s history rather than shield controversial aspects of it from public scrutiny.
“Leadership, in my humble view, demands the courage and humility to confront one’s history, to acknowledge mistakes, provide candid explanations where questions arise, and, where necessary, apologise and seek forgiveness,” he said.
He argued that accepting responsibility for mistakes would strengthen rather than diminish the authority of a political leader.
Obi’s comments come amid ongoing public interest in questions surrounding President Tinubu’s educational history and records. He said such questions, particularly those relating to primary and secondary education, should be resolved through clear and verifiable explanations rather than primarily through legal proceedings.
“This becomes particularly important when questions concern educational credentials. Issues surrounding foundational schooling, primary and secondary, should not remain unresolved or be addressed primarily through legal proceedings,” Obi said.
He maintained that Nigerians deserved “clear, credible, and verifiable explanations,” particularly where information had previously been submitted in official records.
The NDC presidential candidate said his major concern was not only the controversy itself but also the example it could set for Nigerians, especially young people.
“My deepest concern is the example this sets for more than 200 million Nigerians, particularly the over 30 million young people in schools,” he said.
According to him, the highest political office in the country should demonstrate the values of integrity, accountability, transparency and ethical leadership.
Obi also urged political leaders to recognise that personal ambitions are temporary, while the Nigerian nation is enduring.
He said an imperfect past should not necessarily define an individual, arguing that what matters is the willingness to confront past mistakes with honesty and humility, make amends where necessary, and place the national interest above personal ambition.
“When will our political class fully appreciate that individual ambitions are temporary, while the nation endures?” he asked.
“The Presidency is an office held for a season; the moral standards established by those who occupy it can influence generations.”
Obi, who is seeking the presidency on the NDC platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, concluded by stressing that Nigeria’s interests must take precedence over those of any individual.
“Nigeria is greater than any one person, and the integrity of the Republic must always come before the interests of the individual,” he said.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune