A fresh legal battle surrounding the academic records of 2027 presidential candidate Peter Obi has erupted, with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Labour Party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi has sued UNN and its Vice-Chancellor over the university’s alleged failure to release certified copies of records relating to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy reportedly awarded to Obi in 1984.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2144/2026, was filed on September 9, 2026, through Arabambi’s lawyer, Anderson Asemota. The case had not yet been assigned to a judge as of the time of the report.
Arabambi said he initially approached the university under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, requesting documents connected to Obi’s alleged degree.
Among the documents he is seeking is a certified copy of a certificate bearing the number D000198, which he said was issued by UNN to Gregory Peter Onwubuasi Obi in connection with a Philosophy degree.
He is also asking for academic records, graduation and degree-award documents, certificate-register entries, Senate or academic approval records, and other institutional documents relating to the award.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the suit, Arabambi’s original request was contained in a letter dated July 16, 2026, which he said was received by the respondents on August 6.
He alleged that despite making the request under the Freedom of Information Act and citing public-interest and accountability concerns, the university failed to provide the requested documents within the period prescribed by law.
Arabambi further claimed that UNN did not issue a formal written refusal or identify any exemption under the Freedom of Information Act that would prevent the release of the information.
After waiting for a response, he sent a reminder dated August 31, which he said was received by the university on September 1.
According to him, the university still had not provided the records or issued what he considered a lawful refusal when he commenced the legal action.
Arabambi is asking the court for 19 reliefs, including a declaration that his request constitutes a valid request for information under the Freedom of Information Act.
He is also seeking an order of mandamus compelling UNN and its Vice-Chancellor to provide a certified true copy of certificate number D000198, if the document exists in the university’s custody, possession or control.
The applicant is further asking for certified copies of other available academic and institutional records relating to the degree.
The court’s eventual decision could determine whether the university will be compelled to release the requested records, potentially adding another significant chapter to the ongoing political controversy surrounding Obi’s academic credentials ahead of the 2027 elections.
It is important to note that the allegations contained in the suit remain claims by the applicant and have not been established by a court.
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