Ahead of the 2027 general elections, major socio-political groups have backed calls for 2027 candidate scrutiny, urging politicians seeking elective office to make their backgrounds and records available for public assessment.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Middle Belt Forum (MBF) said Nigerians should examine candidates’ educational backgrounds, integrity, antecedents and records before entrusting them with political power.

The position has also sparked debate over the relationship between public scrutiny, moral standards, legal qualifications and the constitutional powers of voters.

ACF Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Baba, stated the organisation’s position during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme.

He said candidates seeking the presidency should expect questions about their histories because of the responsibilities attached to the office.

“If you are presenting yourself for election to the highest office in Nigeria, holding lives together, being the Commander-in-Chief, it is legitimate to ask questions,” Baba said.

He argued that candidates’ histories should be transparent and consistent.

“The certificate is not as important as the story itself. It has to be straight. It has to be consistent. If it is not, there is a problem,” he said.

Baba acknowledged that the 1999 Constitution did not specifically require presidential candidates to provide documentary evidence covering every stage of their education.

However, he argued that public scrutiny should extend beyond the narrow question of formal qualifications.

Drawing comparisons with China’s leadership selection process, Baba said Nigerian politics needed stronger standards for accountability.

“We are simply flexible in our demands for accountability. There are no standards, and there are no standards because we do not demand standards,” he said.

PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, supported the ACF’s position, saying candidates should disclose their life journeys to voters.

“Well, absolutely. When a person presents himself for public service, it is right, proper, and fitting for him to make available to those he wants to serve, as much as possible, the journey of his life: what he has been and what he is today,” Igali said.

He compared political office to employment, arguing that candidates should provide records showing their experience and capabilities.

“Look, all over the world, any job you apply for will ask for your CV. The purpose of the CV is to know who you are and what you have done,” he said.

Igali added that a candidate’s history could help voters identify both strengths and weaknesses.

National President of the MBF, Dr Bitrus Pogu, also endorsed the call for greater scrutiny.

“I think it is a very good starting point because one needs to have his scorecard to be endorsed by Nigerians. It is something which is proper anyway,” Pogu said.

He argued that aspirants should rely on their records rather than campaign promises when seeking higher office.

“One has to sell himself by his track record. You do not just come and start building from no foundation at all. It does not happen,” he said.

Pogu added that candidates should be subjected to proper scrutiny so voters could make informed decisions.

However, Afenifere General Secretary, Chief Ademola Folarin, introduced a qualification to the calls for background scrutiny.

He said examining candidates’ backgrounds was useful but warned that moral judgments could be subjective and should ultimately remain subordinate to legal requirements.

“Interrogating the background of electoral candidates, as part of the process to determine their suitability for public office, is desirable and useful, and this usually, raises important moral issues,” Folarin said.

He maintained that legality provided the binding framework for determining eligibility, while voters would ultimately make the political choice.

The debate comes as political parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 elections, with the groups urging voters to assess candidates on their qualifications, records, integrity, competence and capacity to address the country’s challenges.