Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has alleged that President Bola Tinubu submitted a different Chicago State University certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 elections compared to the one he presented in 1999.
Sowore's Allegations at Press Briefing
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Sowore claimed that the certificate Tinubu submitted to INEC ahead of the 2027 presidential election is not the same as the one he presented in 1999 when he contested and won the Lagos State governorship election. The activist warned Nigerians against voting for individuals who lack verifiable academic records.
“The APC candidate only presented a paper from Chicago State University, which was different from the paper he presented in 1999,” Sowore said.
INEC Publishes Candidates' Credentials
INEC on Friday published the credentials and other details of all presidential candidates vying for the country's top job. The publication has sparked widespread outrage over President Tinubu's missing primary and secondary school certificates, raising fresh questions about his educational qualifications.
The development has intensified scrutiny of Tinubu's academic background, with critics demanding transparency from the president. Sowore's claims add to the growing controversy surrounding Tinubu's educational history.
Background and Reactions
The controversy over Tinubu's certificates first emerged during the 2023 election campaign, when his primary and secondary school records could not be verified. The recent publication by INEC has reignited the debate, with opposition figures and activists calling for thorough verification of all candidates' credentials.
As of now, the presidency has not issued an official response to Sowore's latest allegations. However, supporters of the president have dismissed the claims as political mischief aimed at tarnishing Tinubu's image ahead of the 2027 election.
The 2027 presidential election is expected to be highly competitive, with various political parties gearing up for the contest. The issue of academic credentials is likely to remain a key point of contention as the election approaches.
