Peter Obi bears different names in NYSC, UNN certificates – Lamidi Apapa’s LP

The controversy surrounding the authenticity of educational certificates of political candidates in Nigeria continues to gain momentum, as Abayomi Arabambi, the National Publicity Secretary of the Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the Labour Party (LP), has alleged discrepancies in the academic records of the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Arabambi's claims come in the wake of a press conference held by Peter Obi on the certificate controversy surrounding another political figure, Bola Tinubu.

Arabambi voiced his concerns about Peter Obi's qualifications, highlighting a perceived inconsistency between the name on Obi's academic certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the name on his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate. Arabambi explained that he was part of the team responsible for screening Peter Obi before the party's presidential primary. According to Arabambi, when Obi submitted his nomination form (EC9), he stated that he had attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and had completed his youth service.

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However, Arabambi claims that when Obi made his final submission, he only provided his school certificate. This apparent discrepancy raised suspicions within the factional Labour Party, as it suggested that there may be inconsistencies in the name provided to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for mobilization into the NYSC. Arabambi emphasized his belief that there may be more to the story, stating that they do not have a clear understanding of Peter Obi's true identity within the Labour Party due to the secrecy surrounding the issue at the time of his candidacy. He mentioned that the party was under time constraints and that the rush may have allowed Obi to avoid thorough scrutiny.

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In his words, "For us, we don't know the true identity of Peter Obi even in the Labour Party because everything was shrouded in secrecy at that time in Asaba. You know we were rushing because we had just a day to do our presidential primary, and that was why he was able to get away with it. But we have it on record that Obi's name on his NYSC certificate and the one on his University of Nigeria, Nsukka, certificate are different." This latest development adds to the growing concern over the accuracy of academic records and qualifications of political candidates in Nigeria, a matter that has been the subject of public debate and legal disputes in recent years. 

The allegations made by Abayomi Arabambi are certain to ignite further debate and scrutiny. It remains to be seen how the party and the relevant authorities will respond to these allegations and whether this controversy will have an impact on Peter Obi's candidacy for the Labour Party in the upcoming election.