Obi challenges Tinubu over past records, says Presidency must uphold transparency

Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address questions surrounding his past rather than shield records from public scrutiny.

Obi made the call in a post on X on Monday, August 31, 2026, as he spoke about the need for accountability, transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s leadership.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate said it was troubling that a sitting President would seek to prevent records about his past from being made available, particularly where the issues involved matters of legitimate public interest.

“It is profoundly embarrassing that we have reached a point where a sitting President is asking a foreign court to withhold records concerning his past, particularly records relating to matters of legitimate public interest,” he said.

Obi said public leadership demands the courage to acknowledge mistakes and the humility to explain contentious issues, apologise where necessary and seek forgiveness.

He argued that accepting responsibility does not diminish a leader’s authority but can instead strengthen public confidence in that leader.

The former governor specifically raised concerns about questions relating to educational credentials, saying matters involving primary and secondary education should not remain unresolved or be handled mainly through court processes.

“Nigerians deserve clear, credible, and verifiable explanations, especially when such had been submitted in the past,” Obi said.

He warned that unresolved controversies surrounding the Presidency could send the wrong message to more than 200 million Nigerians, including over 30 million young people currently in schools.

According to Obi, the highest office in the country should set an example by demonstrating integrity, accountability, transparency and ethical conduct.

He noted that having an imperfect past was part of being human, but insisted that public officials must be prepared to confront their past honestly, correct wrongs where necessary and prioritise the nation over personal ambition.

Obi further questioned when the country’s political leaders would recognise that their individual ambitions are temporary, while Nigeria and its institutions would remain.

“The Presidency is an office held for a season; the moral standards established by those who occupy it can influence generations,” he said.

He added: “Nigeria is greater than any one person, and the integrity of the Republic must always come before the interests of the individual.”

Obi began the post by reaffirming his loyalty to Nigeria and his belief in the country’s future before concluding with his recurring message: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”

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