By Blessing Fali
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, and Middle Belt Forum, MBF, have called for thorough scrutiny of the backgrounds, records and integrity of presidential candidates.
The groups said Nigerians have the right to know the educational history, antecedents, achievements and personal records of politicians seeking their votes, stressing that candidates should be able to account for their past before seeking the nation’s highest office.
The ACF Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Baba, said candidates aspiring to become president must be prepared to answer questions about their past and demonstrate consistency in their personal and educational records.
Baba said the issue should go beyond the presentation of certificates, arguing that the credibility and transparency of a candidate’s history were equally important.
He maintained that Nigerians should be able to examine the records of those seeking to become Commander-in-Chief and determine whether their background supports their claims and suitability for office.
The PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, also supported the call, saying candidates should make their life history available to the people they intend to serve.
Igali compared political leadership to a job application, noting that employers normally require applicants to provide their curriculum vitae and details of their previous experience.
According to him, knowing a candidate’s past helps voters understand the strengths and weaknesses the individual could bring to public office.
The National President of the MBF, Dr Bitrus Pogu, similarly backed the demand, saying presidential aspirants should present their scorecards and achievements rather than relying mainly on campaign promises.
Pogu said candidates must be subjected to proper scrutiny so Nigerians can determine whether they have the competence, integrity and track record required to lead the country.
He added that examining candidates’ antecedents would help voters make informed decisions and reduce the possibility of electing leaders without adequate knowledge of their records.
Meanwhile, Afenifere cautioned that while background checks were desirable, moral judgments could be subjective and should not override constitutional and legal requirements for public office.
The groups’ positions have added to the growing debate ahead of 2027, with increasing attention being placed on the history, competence, integrity and track records of those seeking to govern Nigeria.
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