The debate concerning the authenticity of the academic credentials of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been reignited, with the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) taking new measures to challenge the documents submitted for the 2023 general election.
This move follows a formal letter dispatched to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 19, 2026.
In the document, the group, which promotes good governance, has requested clarification regarding the status of the degree certificate allegedly obtained from Chicago State University (CSU).
The letter, signed by the group’s Head of Legal Unit, Barrister Kalu Agu, was officially filed at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The CFRPA has called upon the INEC Chairman—a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)—to utilize his experience to address the issue.
The group asserts that this intervention is necessary to ensure individuals with doubtful backgrounds are prevented from participating in the 2027 presidential election.
Furthermore, the organization referenced the legal implications of forged certificates under Section 137(1)(j) and Section 285(14) of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that the commission has the authority to disqualify candidates who are ineligible.
The CFRPA also raised fresh concerns regarding the President’s history, noting an alleged discrepancy where the President supposedly claimed to have graduated from Government College Lagos in May 1970, despite reports that the institution was established in 1974.
The group concluded by warning the electoral body that it would be left with no option but to institute legal action to compel the commission to do so in the public interest if a prompt response is not provided.
