In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed an alarming erosion of moral values, where acts that should ordinarily attract shame and punishment are being treated as normal. Those who should be society’s moral compass — leaders, public officials, and opinion shapers — have become the very embodiment of corruption and deceit.
Whenever the rot in Nigeria’s system is called out, those benefiting from it often react with outrage, launching attacks and smear campaigns to silence critics. But how does one convince the youth to be honest and upright when those occupying positions of honour are known for forgery, lies, and fraud?
Certificate forgery, for instance, is a grave criminal offence across the world — one that attracts immediate disqualification and prosecution. Yet in Nigeria, it is often brushed aside as a mere “pre-election matter.”
During a recent working visit to Indonesia, I had the opportunity to engage with several key government officials, including ministers, the Vice President, and President Joko Widodo. I also met with the Chairman of Indonesia’s General Elections Commission to discuss the requirements for political participation at all levels.
When asked what would happen if a candidate presented a forged academic certificate, he was visibly shocked. His response was straightforward: “Such a person will be immediately disqualified and prosecuted. It is a criminal offence. If someone can forge a certificate, how can that person be trusted to lead others?”
Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the same law exists but is rarely enforced. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) routinely fails to properly verify the credentials of candidates. Even when allegations of forgery arise, they are often ignored or dismissed by the courts on technical grounds. After elections, INEC seldom reopens investigations or corrects these injustices.
This culture of impunity has allowed criminals and dishonest individuals to infiltrate every level of government. It is even more troubling that many of these individuals swear false affidavits before the courts, further compounding their perjury.
As the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections, there is an urgent need for reform. INEC should begin now to investigate past forgery complaints and ensure transparency in future contests. The Electoral Act must be amended to compel all candidates — whether new or incumbent — to submit their academic certificates immediately after party primaries, at least six months before the election. These documents, along with school details and years of study, should be published for public verification within 90 days.
This policy should also extend to appointed officials, ministers, and aides, because dishonesty at the top only breeds corruption below.
Nigeria must stop treating criminality as a normal way of life. Certificate forgery and other acts of deceit must be confronted with the full weight of the law. Leadership built on lies cannot deliver justice or progress. True leadership must begin with truth — and until we return to that path, the nation’s moral decay will only deepen.
