Abayomi Arabambi, a chieftain of the Labour Party, has launched a legal challenge against the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) regarding the academic credentials of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigerian Democratic Congress. Arabambi has also filed separate suits against the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The lawsuits, aimed at compelling these institutions to adhere to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, include a case against WAEC, filed on 1 September and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2064/2026, and another against UNN, filed on 9 September and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2144/2026. All suits were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Arabambi claims that WAEC and UNN have failed to provide details of Obi’s academic records, which he asserts must be disclosed as part of public interest and transparency regarding individuals seeking public office. His lawyer, Anderson Asemota, clarified that they are not disputing the authenticity of the certificates but merely seeking access to existing official records.
Arabambi is particularly requesting that WAEC release a certified copy of Obi’s certificate, issued in June 1978, while his suit against UNN seeks confirmation of various academic records associated with the certificate number D000198.
The courts have yet to announce hearing dates for these cases.
