2027: INEC publication revives debate over Tinubu’s credentials

President Bola Tinubu's nomination papers for the 2027 presidential election, published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have reignited controversy surrounding his educational qualifications. The documents reveal that Tinubu did not list his primary and secondary school certificates in the educational qualifications section of his personal particulars, sparking fresh political debate.

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It is so disappointing that this is what we are talking about. Again, I believe that we are just raising this question for academic purposes. We don’t know the answer to our question. That is, those certificates are not there. So, it is what it is.

INEC's publication on Saturday included the nomination forms and supporting credentials for presidential and vice-presidential candidates as part of the timetable for the 2027 general election. A review of Tinubu's EC9 nomination form shows he listed only a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University. The spaces for primary and secondary school qualifications were left blank, although he attached copies of his university degree and National Youth Service Corps certificates.

Tinubu's form states his birthdate as March 29, 1952, in Lagos, and his occupation as "Politician." He declared prior employment at Mobil Nigeria Limited (1983-1992) and service as Governor of Lagos State (1999-2007). His current employer is listed as the Federal Government of Nigeria (2023-present), and he stated he has never been dismissed from public service.

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But I think this question should be directed to the appropriate quarters, that is to the President and his aides, not to us in the opposition. Let them tell us why the President’s secondary school and primary school certificates are not there.

Reacting to the omission, the National Publicity Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition, Osa Director, directed questions to the President and his aides, expressing disappointment that such issues persist. Director questioned why the primary and secondary school certificates were missing, noting that university graduation typically requires prior basic education. He also raised questions for INEC, suggesting the form appeared incomplete and questioning its acceptance, while commending the commission for publishing the details for public scrutiny.

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So, I am surprised that this form went through INEC, knowing it was not filled. INEC also has a question to answer by accepting that form when the information was incomplete, though we also have to commend them for having the guts to publish it for all Nigerians to see the gaps.