Tinubu under fresh certificate spotlight as group petitions INEC

The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has reignited the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials, formally petitioning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify his eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential poll.

In a letter dated June 19, 2026 and addressed to Joash Amupitan (SAN), Chairman of INEC, the group urged the electoral body to make public its position on the legal implications of the Chicago State University (CSU) certificate submitted by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.

The petition, signed by Kalu Agu, a Barrister and the Group’s Head of Legal Unit, alleged that records released by Chicago State University during legal proceedings in the United States raised questions about the authenticity of some documents linked to the President’s educational history.

BusinessDay reports that the petition marks a fresh twist in the long-running debate over Tinubu’s academic records, a matter that featured prominently in post-election legal battles following the 2023 presidential election.

According to CFRPA, INEC has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that only qualified candidates participate in elections and should provide clarity on whether the allegations surrounding the President’s credentials have any bearing on his eligibility for the 2027 contest.

The group cited constitutional provisions relating to the submission of forged certificates and candidate qualification, arguing that unresolved questions could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

It also warned that it may seek legal action if INEC fails to publicly respond to its request.

“This is a litmus test for you (Amupitan) to determine how neutral you will be in the conduct of future elections in Nigeria.

“Take notice that in the event you fail to make the legal position of INEC public on this request by us, we will initiate a legal action to stop INEC from receiving and/or accepting the name of President Bola A. Tinubu as the Presidential candidate of the APC.

“We are hopeful that you will heed to our request and allow wise counsel to prevail in the circumstance,” the group said

Tinubu is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).