A civil society organisation, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA), has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking a fresh investigation into the academic credentials President Bola Tinubu submitted to qualify for the 2023 presidential election.
The petition, dated June 19 and filed through a team of lawyers led by Kalu Agu, called on INEC to clarify the authenticity of the Chicago State University certificate submitted by Tinubu during the 2023 election process.
According to the group, concerns remain over the educational documents presented by the President, particularly claims relating to his primary and secondary school education. The petition alleged that Tinubu indicated in university admission records that he attended Government College Lagos in 1960 and graduated in 1970, despite claims that the institution was established in 1974.
CFRPA argued that the circumstances surrounding the certificates used to secure admission into Chicago State University raise questions that require official clarification from the electoral commission.
The group urged INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to address what it described as lingering concerns over Tinubu’s eligibility to participate in future elections, including the 2027 presidential poll.
The petition referenced records released by Chicago State University following a United States court order in a case involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. According to the petitioners, the documents revealed alleged discrepancies in information provided by Tinubu during his admission process.
Among the allegations contained in the petition are claims that false information was entered on university admission forms and that some academic documents presented in support of admission may have been forged.
The organisation also raised concerns about an alleged forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, stating that it had previously written to the Director-General of the NYSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation seeking clarification on the matter.
CFRPA maintained that INEC, as the constitutionally empowered body responsible for regulating political parties and conducting elections, has a duty to publicly state its legal position on the issues raised.
The group warned that it would explore legal options if the commission fails to respond, including seeking judicial intervention to prevent the acceptance of Tinubu’s name as a future presidential candidate if questions surrounding the certificates remain unresolved.
According to the petitioners, a public clarification from INEC would help address ongoing debates over the President’s qualifications and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
INEC had yet to issue an official response to the petition as of the time of filing this report.
CFRPA Petitions INEC to Reopen Probe Into Tinubu’s Academic Credentials
