Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s legal effort to withhold past personal records from a foreign court, arguing that matters of public interest demand complete transparency. 

In a public statement released on Monday, August 31, 2026, Obi asserted that a sitting leader should openly address questions regarding his background instead of blocking scrutiny through legal channels. He noted that foundational education details, such as primary and secondary schooling, should not require extensive legal battles to resolve, especially when documents were previously submitted.

Obi emphasized that the nation's highest office must uphold strong standards of integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership to serve as a positive example for younger generations. He concluded that protecting the reputation and integrity of the republic must always take precedence over individual interests.