2027 elections: Prominent Labour Party chieftain drags WAEC, UNN, NYSC over Peter Obi’s records

A Labour Party chieftain, Abayomi Arabambi, has instituted separate legal proceedings against the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over his requests for access to official records relating to the academic credentials of former Anambra state governor and presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.

The three suits were filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja pursuant to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

Arabambi is not asking the court to determine whether Obi’s certificates are genuine or forged. Instead, the plaintiff wants the institutions to release existing official records that could establish the status, details and history of certificates reportedly issued to Obi.

Requests for records

In the suits, Arabambi said he approached each of the institutions independently to request information concerning records in their custody. He alleged that the institutions either rejected his requests or failed to respond to them.

In the case involving WAEC, Arabambi is asking the court to compel the examination body to provide a Certified True Copy of WAEC Certificate No. SC042560, reportedly issued to Obi Gregory Onwubuase in June 1978.

He is also seeking access to records held by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, concerning Certificate No. D000198. The requested documents include entries in the university’s certificate register and other existing academic and graduation records relating to the award of the degree.

The action against the NYSC concerns Certificate No. 203495, reportedly issued to “Obi, Gregory Peter-Onwubuase (Mr.)” on May 1, 1986.

A key issue raised by Arabambi in the NYSC case is the appearance of the name “Peter-Onwubuase” in the organisation’s records and the documents on which the certificate was issued.

Public interest argument

Arabambi argued that the information he requested should be made available because of the public interest attached to the academic credentials of individuals seeking elective public office.

He maintained that the institutions should disclose information contained in their official records, particularly where the requests concern documents connected to a political aspirant whose credentials are relevant to public scrutiny.

The plaintiff’s suits are focused on access to records rather than asking the court to make a finding on the authenticity of Obi’s certificates.

WAEC, however, rejected Arabambi’s request in a letter dated August 11, 2026, citing exemptions contained in the Freedom of Information Act.

Arabambi has consequently asked the Federal High Court to determine whether the refusal or failure of the institutions to provide the requested information constitutes a breach of their obligations under the FOI Act.

Court orders sought

Among the reliefs being sought by Arabambi is an order compelling the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the NYSC to communicate the outcome of any verification carried out using their existing official records.

He is also asking the court to direct the institutions to identify any specific portions of the information requested that they consider exempt from disclosure under the FOI Act.

Where only parts of the requested records are considered exempt, Arabambi wants the court to order the institutions to release the portions that are not covered by any lawful exemption.

The plaintiff is further urging the court to apply the public-interest provisions of the FOI Act if it finds that disclosure of any of the requested information is justified in the circumstances.

The legal action comes amid continuing public discussions surrounding the academic records and credentials attributed to Obi, who is seeking political relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Filing dates

The suits against WAEC and NYSC were filed on September 1, 2026, while the action against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was filed on September 9.

As of Sunday, September 13, no hearing date had been fixed for the three cases.

The outcome of the suits could determine whether the institutions will be required to release the specific records requested by Arabambi or whether the exemptions relied upon to withhold the information will be upheld by the court.