2027: LP Chieftain Sues WAEC, UNN, NYSC Over Peter Obi’s Credentials

ABUJA — The academic and National Youth Service Corps records of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, have come under fresh scrutiny following three separate suits filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suits, instituted by Abayomi Arabambi, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), seek orders of mandamus compelling the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to release official records relating to certificates allegedly issued to Obi.

The legal actions are based on provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011, with Arabambi alleging that the institutions failed to provide information he requested concerning the academic credentials and NYSC records of the former Anambra State governor.

The three cases were filed separately.

The suit against WAEC, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2064/2026, and the action against NYSC, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2063/2026, were filed on September 1, 2026.

The separate suit against UNN, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2144/2026, was filed on September 9, 2026.

Arabambi filed the cases through his legal team led by Anderson Asemota.

However, the plaintiff has stressed that he is not asking the Federal High Court to determine whether the certificates associated with Obi are genuine or forged.

Instead, he is asking the court to compel the institutions to disclose their existing official records so that the status and particulars of the certificates can be established from the records of the organisations that allegedly issued or processed them.

The distinction is significant because the suits, as presently constituted, do not amount to a judicial finding that Peter Obi’s certificates are forged, invalid or fraudulent.

In the WAEC case, Arabambi is asking the court to compel the examination body to release a Certified True Copy (CTC) of WAEC Certificate No. SC042560, which the plaintiff says was issued to “Obi Gregory Onwubuase” in June 1978.

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He is also seeking information that would enable him to establish the circumstances surrounding the certificate and its details.

Arabambi said he had previously written to WAEC requesting the information under the Freedom of Information Act, but the examination body declined the request.

WAEC reportedly communicated its refusal in a letter dated August 11, 2026, citing Sections 14(1)(a) and 14(2)(a) and (b) of the FOI Act.

The plaintiff is challenging the refusal and wants the court to declare that the grounds relied upon by WAEC were not sufficient to deny him access to the requested information.

The suit against University of Nigeria, Nsukka focuses on Certificate No. D000198, which Arabambi says relates to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy allegedly awarded to Obi.

He is asking the university to release its certificate register, academic records, graduation records, Senate or degree-award records, as well as other existing official documents relevant to the certificate, insofar as such records exist.

The plaintiff said his request was intended to establish what the university’s own records show concerning the certificate rather than to ask the court to pronounce on its authenticity.

He is specifically seeking an order compelling UNN to communicate the result of any verification of Certificate No. D000198 based on its existing official records, including whether the certificate and its particulars appear in those records.

According to the court processes, Arabambi had earlier written to the university under the FOI Act but alleged that the request was not granted.

A subsequent reminder was also reportedly sent after the initial request did not receive the response he expected.

The third suit concerns NYSC Certificate No. 203495, which Arabambi says was issued on May 1, 1986, to “Obi, Gregory Peter-Onwubuase (Mr.).”

The plaintiff wants the NYSC to release the relevant certificate and any existing official records, documents or other materials upon which the certificate was based or issued.

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He is also seeking information about the appearance of the name “Peter-Onwubuase” in the relevant NYSC records.

The request is intended, among other things, to establish what the NYSC’s official records show about the certificate and the particulars attached to it.

Arabambi has told the court that the information he is seeking is in the public interest, particularly because it relates to transparency and accountability concerning a person seeking election to public office.

He is asking the court to compel the institutions to disclose information that is not legally exempt and to identify any portion of the requested information they believe is protected from disclosure.

One of the reliefs sought by the plaintiff is an order directing the respondents, where they contend that any part of the information is exempt, to identify the specific information withheld and the precise statutory provision relied upon for the refusal.

He is also seeking disclosure of any severable portion of the records that is not covered by a lawful exemption.

Another relief invokes Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act, asking the court to order disclosure if it determines that the institutions are not authorised to deny access, lack reasonable grounds for doing so, or that the public interest in disclosure outweighs the interest served by withholding the information.

The cases have emerged amid heightened political attention to the credentials of presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi, who previously contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, is now the NDC presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The legal action by Arabambi, who remains a Labour Party chieftain, therefore introduces another layer to the political contest surrounding the opposition candidate.

The controversy over Obi’s academic records is not entirely new, as questions about his certificates and names appearing on official documents have previously generated political debate and public commentary.

Supporters of Obi have in the past rejected allegations questioning the validity of his educational credentials.

The current cases, however, seek to obtain information directly from the institutions whose records are expected to contain details about the certificates.

The Federal High Court will therefore be asked to determine whether the plaintiff is entitled under the FOI Act to the information he requested and whether the respondents were legally justified in withholding or refusing to provide the records.

The outcome could have wider implications for access to official records concerning public office seekers, particularly where requests involve educational qualifications, professional credentials and other documents submitted for electoral purposes.

For now, there has been no judicial finding that Peter Obi’s certificates are forged or invalid.

The immediate issue before the court is whether WAEC, UNN and NYSC should be compelled to release or verify the relevant records requested by Arabambi.

As of September 13, 2026, no hearing date had been fixed for the three suits.

The cases are expected to attract significant attention as political parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

2027: LP Chieftain Sues WAEC, UNN, NYSC Over Peter Obi’s Credentials

Army Confirms Abduction of Six Imams in Zamfara, Denies Kidnapping at Yari’s Residence

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the abduction of six Islamic clerics in Zamfara State, while dismissing reports that the victims were kidnapped at the residence of former Zamfara State governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari.

The Army said the six Juma’at imams were abducted while travelling through a rural area in Zamfara, not at Yari’s residence as earlier reports suggested.

The clarification followed reports that the clerics were abducted during a gathering at Yari’s residence, where they were said to have assembled for a special prayer session.

The Army’s 8 Division, operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said available intelligence showed that the clerics were intercepted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area towards Talata Mafara.

According to the military, the incident occurred along the Dakko–Damri feeder road, around the Gonar Sarkin Forest area.

The Army described reports linking the abduction to Yari’s residence as misleading and urged the public to rely on verified information concerning the incident.

The clarification does not dispute that the clerics were abducted. Rather, it corrects the location and circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Zamfara State Police Command has also confirmed the abduction of the six Islamic scholars and said security agencies had commenced efforts to rescue them.

The clerics were reportedly travelling towards Talata Mafara when they were intercepted by suspected bandits operating in the area.

The incident has generated concern because the victims were reportedly associated with a planned prayer gathering connected with political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.

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Reports indicated that the clerics were heading to a special prayer session for peace in the country and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The gathering was reportedly linked to Senator Yari, who is also playing a prominent role in the 2027 presidential campaign.

Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, has emerged as a key figure within the ruling political structure as preparations intensify for the next presidential election.

However, the Army stressed that there was no evidence that the clerics were abducted from Yari’s residence.

Military authorities said troops and other security agencies had intensified efforts to locate the victims and secure their release.

The operation is being conducted under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the military’s ongoing campaign against banditry and other security threats in parts of the North-West.

Security personnel are also working with local intelligence networks to establish the movements of the abductors and determine the whereabouts of the kidnapped clerics.

The police command has similarly said it is coordinating with other security agencies in the rescue effort.

The latest incident underscores the continuing security challenges in Zamfara State, where bandit groups have continued to operate along rural roads, forest corridors and communities despite sustained military and police operations.

The Sububu Forest and other forested areas in Zamfara have frequently been identified as hideouts and operational corridors for criminal groups involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling and other violent crimes.

The abduction also highlights the security risks faced by travellers using rural roads linking communities in the state.

Authorities have repeatedly advised residents and travellers to exercise caution and provide security agencies with timely information about suspicious movements.

The Army has appealed to members of the public to avoid spreading unverified reports that could create confusion or compromise ongoing security operations.

It also urged residents with credible information about the location or movements of the abducted clerics to provide such information to security agencies.

The latest development comes amid continuing efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal camps and rescue kidnapped victims across Zamfara and neighbouring states.

The military has in recent months intensified operations against armed groups in the North-West, including targeted operations aimed at denying bandits access to forest hideouts and disrupting their logistics networks.

Despite these operations, kidnapping remains a major security concern in Zamfara and other parts of the region.

The abduction of the six imams has therefore added fresh pressure on security agencies to secure the victims and prevent further attacks along the state’s rural routes.

For now, the authorities have confirmed that the clerics were abducted but have rejected the claim that they were taken from Yari’s residence.

Efforts are continuing to locate the six victims and bring them to safety, while security agencies investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and pursue those responsible.

Army Confirms Abduction of Six Imams in Zamfara, Denies Kidnapping at Yari’s Residence

DSS warns Osun churches, mosques, markets over alleged terrorist attack plot ahead of 2027

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised a security alert in Osun State over an alleged plan by terrorist elements to attack churches, mosques, markets, schools and other crowded locations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The warning was reportedly issued during separate security briefings held with leaders of the Muslim and Christian communities in Osogbo on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

According to information presented at the meetings, the alleged attackers may attempt to extend their activities from northern Nigeria into the South-West, with Osun State reportedly identified as one of the areas of concern.

The alleged plan is said to be aimed at creating fear and insecurity among residents and potentially discouraging citizens from participating in the 2027 elections.

However, there is currently no public indication from the DSS that an attack is imminent, while the agency has not publicly identified the specific terrorist organisation allegedly behind the reported plan.

The alert has nevertheless prompted religious and community leaders to review security arrangements around places where large numbers of people gather.

The President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Mustapha Olawuyi, confirmed that Muslim leaders met with DSS officials in Osogbo and described the information provided during the meeting as serious.

Olawuyi urged Muslims across the state to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

According to him, the DSS warned that terrorist elements could attempt to mobilise towards the South-West to cause mayhem, spread fear and create an atmosphere that could discourage citizens from exercising their civic rights during the 2027 elections.

He also said security agencies had been monitoring the activities and movements of suspicious individuals in the state.

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Olawuyi disclosed that the Muslim community had previously expressed concerns over the arrival of hundreds of unfamiliar persons in some parts of Osun.

He commended the DSS for sharing intelligence with community leaders before any possible attack occurs.

As part of the preventive measures discussed at the meeting, mosque leaders were reportedly advised to pay greater attention to security during Friday prayers and other large religious gatherings.

They were urged to watch out for suspicious vehicles parked around mosques and immediately report unusual activities or persons to security agencies.

Mosque authorities were also reportedly advised against allowing people to sleep within mosque premises and encouraged to provide security guards, particularly at night.

Religious leaders were further urged to exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar commercial motorcycle operators and other persons whose identities or movements could not be adequately established.

The warning was also extended to the Christian community.

The Osun State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor John Adeleke, confirmed that DSS officials held a separate security meeting with Christian leaders.

Adeleke said Christian leaders were warned to strengthen security around churches and other public gathering centres.

He said the information was subsequently circulated to various CAN blocs and Christian groups across Osun State.

According to him, churches were advised against allowing unidentified vehicles to park close to worship centres because of the possibility that such vehicles could potentially be used to conceal explosives or other dangerous materials.

Church leaders were also encouraged to properly identify visitors and remain vigilant about unfamiliar people entering their premises.

Adeleke said churches were advised to exercise particular caution during night programmes, when darkness and reduced visibility could create security vulnerabilities.

He urged Christians to remain calm but security-conscious and to report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities to the appropriate authorities.

The warning also covers schools, markets, clubs, viewing centres and other public facilities where large numbers of people regularly gather.

According to Adeleke, school owners and managers of public facilities were advised to review their security arrangements and ensure adequate measures were in place to protect students, staff, worshippers, customers and other members of the public.

A report of the Christian leaders’ meeting, signed by Ajayi J.K., the State Assistant Secretary of Osun CAN, reportedly stated that the DSS informed the Christian leadership that terrorists had allegedly mapped out Osun as part of a wider plan to attack some states before the 2027 presidential election.

The report reportedly indicated that the alleged attackers could move through Kaduna and Jos before heading towards Osun.

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It listed churches, mosques, markets, schools, clubs and viewing centres among the locations that could potentially be targeted.

The Christian leaders were subsequently urged to strengthen security around their premises and pay close attention to unusual activities.

The Osun alert comes against the background of broader concerns about possible retaliatory attacks by terrorist and criminal groups following intensified security operations across northern Nigeria.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had earlier warned Nigerians to remain vigilant, saying terrorist and criminal groups facing setbacks from military operations could resort to isolated attacks designed to create fear, attract public attention or demonstrate that they still possess the capacity to strike.

The national advisory followed reported security operations against terrorist and bandit groups in parts of the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.

The ONSA said the operations had resulted in the elimination of several terrorist and bandit commanders and the disruption of camps and other criminal strongholds.

Among those reportedly killed was ISWAP commander Abubakar Mainok, also known as Abu Bilal Al-Minuki.

Although the ONSA advisory did not specifically identify Osun as a target, its warning about possible isolated attacks provides wider context for the latest DSS briefing in the state.

Security concerns have also prompted some institutions across Nigeria to strengthen their preventive measures.

Schools and churches in some parts of the country have reportedly introduced measures including improved surveillance, stronger perimeter controls, additional security personnel and emergency procedures in response to the wider security environment.

Osun authorities have also previously expressed concern about the movement and presence of unfamiliar individuals in some communities.

In July, the state government announced a mining community intelligence architecture following concerns over alleged infiltration of some communities by foreign nationals and other unidentified persons.

The government called on community leaders to work with the DSS, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps and other security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and community security.

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The state has also recorded cases of kidnapping and other criminal threats, although there is no evidence that those incidents are connected to the alleged terrorist plot contained in the latest DSS warning.

The timing of the alert is significant as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Security concerns around elections in Nigeria have historically included political violence, communal tensions, attacks on campaign activities and threats against voters and election officials.

The latest DSS warning therefore places additional responsibility on security agencies and community leaders to ensure that legitimate political and civic activities can take place without intimidation.

At the same time, the warning presents a delicate challenge for authorities because excessive alarm or the circulation of unverified information could create unnecessary fear among residents.

The available information does not show that the DSS has publicly named a specific terrorist organisation behind the alleged Osun plot, nor has it announced that an attack is certain to occur.

The warning should therefore be understood as a preventive security alert based on reported intelligence, rather than confirmation that an attack is imminent.

Religious and community leaders have consequently been encouraged to remain vigilant without spreading unverified information.

Residents have also been urged to promptly report suspicious persons, abandoned or suspicious vehicles, unusual movements and other security concerns to law enforcement authorities.

For churches and mosques, practical measures such as controlled access, proper identification of visitors, adequate lighting, security personnel and vigilance around parked vehicles could help reduce vulnerabilities.

Schools, markets, entertainment centres and other facilities that attract large crowds are similarly expected to review their emergency response and security procedures.

The broader objective is to ensure that terrorist or criminal groups do not exploit crowded public places to cause mass casualties, spread fear or disrupt peaceful civic activities.

With Nigeria heading towards the 2027 elections, closer cooperation between security agencies, religious institutions, traditional leaders, schools, businesses and residents could be critical to preventing attacks and maintaining public confidence.

For residents of Osun, the immediate message from community leaders is vigilance without panic.

Citizens are expected to continue their normal activities while remaining alert and promptly providing credible information to security agencies that could help prevent any planned attack.

DSS warns Osun churches, mosques, markets over alleged terrorist attack plot ahead of 2027