A civil society organisation, the Center for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA), has reopened controversy surrounding the academic credentials of President Bola Tinubu, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify his eligibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a letter addressed to the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, the group asked the electoral body to provide what it described as “urgent legal clarification” on the certificates submitted by the President during the 2023 election cycle, warning that failure to do so could trigger legal action.
The group, which described itself as a pro-democracy and anti-corruption advocacy body, also alleged discrepancies involving Tinubu’s academic records, including claims relating to Chicago State University and other educational documents submitted to the commission.
It argued that unresolved questions around the documents could raise constitutional concerns under relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and potentially affect eligibility for future elections.
According to CFRPA, its demand is aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing individuals with “questionable credentials” from participating in the 2027 presidential contest.
The group further referenced earlier court proceedings in the United States involving academic records from Chicago State University, insisting that the matter required fresh scrutiny by Nigerian electoral authorities.
It also claimed that correspondence had been sent to other institutions, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, seeking clarification on related documents.
The letter urged the INEC chairman—described by the group as a legal expert—to use his office to resolve what it called a lingering national issue and take a clear public position ahead of the next election cycle.
INEC has not yet responded to the latest demands as of the time of filing this report.
The development is expected to reignite political debate as Nigeria begins early positioning ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
