2027: LP Chieftain challenges Obi’s credentials, sues WAEC, UNN, NYSC

The credentials of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), are under fresh scrutiny as three separate suits before the Federal High Court in Abuja seek to compel disclosure of his original certificates.

According to Vanguard, the suits seek orders of mandamus against the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), compelling them to release copies of certificates issued to Obi. They were filed by Labour Party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi, citing the institutions’ alleged refusal to release Obi’s academic records under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.

The WAEC suit and the NYSC suit were filed on September 1, while the UNN case was filed on September 9. Arabambi’s lawyers, led by Anderson Asemota, clarified he is not asking the court to rule on whether Obi’s certificates are genuine or forged, but only seeking official records to ascertain their status.

He specifically wants WAEC to release a certified copy of Certificate No. SC042560, issued to “Obi Gregory Onwubuase” in June 1978, alongside UNN’s academic and graduation records tied to Certificate No. D000198, and NYSC records relating to Certificate No. 203495, issued to “Obi, Gregory Peter-Onwubuase,” in May 1986.

WAEC declined the request on August 11, citing FOI Act exemptions, while UNN and NYSC neither granted nor explained their refusal. Arabambi is asking the court to declare the refusals unlawful and order disclosure. No hearing date has been fixed.