President Bola Tinubu, GCFR
A fresh political controversy has emerged in Abuja as the Center for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has renewed questions surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records and certificates submitted during the 2023 presidential election.
The civil society organisation has formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking the electoral body to clarify the authenticity of the documents presented by President Tinubu as part of his qualification process.
In a letter dated June 19, 2026, and signed by the group’s Head of Legal Unit, Barrister Kalu Agu, CFRPA urged the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to address the matter in the interest of transparency ahead of the 2027 general election.
The group alleged that there are unresolved issues concerning Tinubu’s educational history and the certificates associated with his name. It specifically questioned claims about his attendance at Government College Lagos and other academic records.
CFRPA stated that discrepancies exist between available records and some of the information provided during previous electoral processes. The organisation also raised concerns about what it described as inconsistencies involving a Chicago State University certificate and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
“We respectfully wish to bring to your notice the Fake Chicago State University Certificate and forged National Youth Service Corps Discharge Certificate presented to the Commission by President Bola A. Tinubu,” the group stated in its petition.
The civil society body argued that the matter has constitutional implications, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution relating to eligibility for public office and the consequences of presenting forged documents.
According to CFRPA, INEC has a responsibility to ensure that all candidates meet the requirements of the law before participating in elections. The group described the issue as an important test of the commission’s independence.
“This is a litmus test for you to determine how neutral you will be in the conduct of future elections in Nigeria,” CFRPA told the INEC Chairman.
The organisation warned that it may pursue legal action if the electoral commission fails to provide clarification on its position.
“In the event you fail to make the legal position of INEC public on this request by us, we will initiate legal action,” the letter stated.
CFRPA added that its action was motivated by the need to protect democratic values and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The group also disclosed that it had contacted relevant agencies, including the NYSC and the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, seeking further clarification on the alleged documents.
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