A resurfaced video from President Bola Tinubu's pre-2023 election visit to Chatham House in London shows him addressing controversies about his age, academic records, and identity, reaffirming his official date of birth as March 29, 1952.
In the clip, which has trended online as opposition candidates continue to question his credentials ahead of the 2027 elections, Tinubu responded directly to the allegations that dogged his campaign. "At the time of birth, I was born on March 29, 1952, in the family record," Tinubu said in the video, which was originally recorded during his international outreach ahead of the 2023 general election, where he was later declared winner.
Tinubu Addresses Academic Records and Chicago State University
The President also addressed questions over his academic credentials, stating that his transcripts from Chicago State University list March 1952 as his date of birth. He noted that the university has attested to his graduation and that he has received his original replacement degree certificate from the institution.
"They now confessed that they wasted their money and their time. The record is there, the transcript is there showing March 1952," Tinubu said. "Chicago State University, where I graduated, has attested to that. Now, I can announce that I have received my original replacement degree certificate from them."
Tinubu further added: "I didn't think that day I had determined or decided to be president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or even go into politics. I've had a very good exposure in life. My record is consistent in the school and in the university."
Tinubu on Family Background and Private Sector Career
The President also pushed back on doubts about his identity and professional background. "I'm not claiming another father. I am Tinubu and Tinubu proper. If they want a DNA, they could as well require one," he stated.
He cited his career in the private sector as evidence of his track record, referencing training at Deloitte as an accountant and his tenure at Mobil Oil. "Deloitte trained me as an accountant. Mobil Oil has attested to my record, an outstanding record. I got to the pinnacle of my career in the private sector. Who among them can brag about that? I see myself as a marketable individual. They want to use me to make money, and I say no," Tinubu said.
The President did not directly address allegations made against other individuals in the video, saying, "One of them has been accused of not being a Nigerian citizen; I didn't touch that area."
Context and Related News
The Chatham House engagement was part of Tinubu's outreach to the international community in the build-up to the 2023 general elections, where he was declared winner and inaugurated as President of Nigeria. The video's resurgence comes as opposition candidates, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have continued to raise questions about his age and academic records ahead of the 2027 elections, where Tinubu is seeking a second term in office.
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru issued a direct warning to newly sworn-in council chairmen at their inauguration in Abakaliki. Nwifuru told the 13 chairmen that their continued stay in office depends on how their councils perform for the APC in the 2027 elections. The governor also announced cash donations to each chairman and vice chairman from Gem Brass Construction at the ceremony.
