Peter Obi Warns: Forged Certificates by Politicians Could Ignite Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a stark warning that Nigeria risks escalating political violence if leaders with fake academic credentials continue to run for office.

Speaking on Sunday, Obi stressed that allowing politicians with forged certificates undermines public trust and threatens the integrity of the nation’s democracy. “Allowing politicians with fake qualifications to run for office sends the wrong message to Nigerians and weakens trust in leadership,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor linked the warning to a recent attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Bakassi, Cross River State, where suspected political thugs vandalised property and disrupted activities. Obi described the incident as “an assault on democracy itself.”

He cautioned that such acts—from certificate forgery to violent attacks—signal a decline in democratic standards and could heighten tensions as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

Obi urged Nigerians to demand rigorous vetting of political candidates, saying: “The future of peaceful elections depends on leaders who are credible, qualified, and accountable.”

This call comes amid growing concerns about election integrity and the role of political thuggery in destabilising the democratic process.