ABUJA — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the credentials of its 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, amid renewed controversy over his academic records.

The development followed moves by a Labour Party chieftain, Abayomi Arabambi, to obtain official records relating to Obi’s academic qualifications from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Arabambi, a former spokesperson of the Labour Party, has raised questions over alleged discrepancies in the names appearing on some of Obi’s academic and service documents.

He has subsequently approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking orders compelling the relevant institutions to release records connected to Obi’s WAEC, university and NYSC credentials.

According to reports, the legal actions were instituted under the Freedom of Information Act, with Arabambi arguing that the requested records would help clarify the authenticity and particulars of the documents in question.

However, the allegations and claims surrounding the documents have not been established as fact by any competent authority.

Reacting to the development, the NDC dismissed the controversy surrounding Obi’s credentials and criticised Arabambi’s approach, maintaining that the former Anambra State governor’s records could be subjected to appropriate verification.

The party’s position comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition parties and their candidates facing increased scrutiny over their qualifications, records and eligibility.

The controversy has also generated renewed public debate over the importance of transparency and verification of candidates’ credentials ahead of the election.