Tinubu certificate questions resurface as a civil society group asks INEC to clarify issues surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s credentials

The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has renewed scrutiny over President Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials, formally asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify its position on issues surrounding documents submitted by the president during the 2023 election process.

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In a letter dated June 19, 2026 and addressed to INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, the civil society organisation urged the electoral commission to provide what it described as legal clarification on the status of certificates linked to President Tinubu ahead of preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

The request marks the latest chapter in a controversy that has generated political and legal debate since the 2023 election cycle, particularly following litigation in the United States involving records from Chicago State University.

According to the letter signed by the group’s Head of Legal Unit, Barrister Kalu Agu, the organisation believes INEC should address questions relating to the president’s eligibility in order to promote public confidence in the electoral process.

The CFRPA argued that the electoral body has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that only qualified candidates participate in elections and cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution concerning eligibility for public office.

Among its claims, the organisation alleged discrepancies relating to educational records associated with President Tinubu, including references to attendance at Government College Lagos and documents connected to his admission into Chicago State University.

The group also referred to proceedings in a United States court that resulted in the release of academic records from Chicago State University during litigation initiated by former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar following the 2023 election.

“It is on the basis of the foregoing that we respectfully write to you requesting for a legal clarification of the effects of President Bola A. Tinubu’s certificate obtained by fraud from Chicago State University and his forged NYSC Discharge Certificate on President Bola A. Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid,” the letter stated.

The organisation further warned that it could seek judicial intervention if INEC fails to respond to its request.

“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,” the group said.

The latest demand comes against the backdrop of previous legal challenges to President Tinubu’s credentials. Following the 2023 presidential election, opposition figures raised questions regarding documents submitted to INEC.

However, Nigeria’s election tribunals and the courts ultimately upheld Tinubu’s election, while the Supreme Court affirmed his victory.

President Tinubu and his supporters have consistently rejected allegations of forgery and wrongdoing, maintaining that his educational records and qualifications are valid.

Chicago State University previously confirmed that Tinubu attended the institution and graduated, although public debate continued over certain documents linked to the case.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not publicly responded to the CFRPA’s latest letter.

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The renewed Tinubu Certificate Questions are likely to attract political attention as parties and stakeholders gradually position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with analysts expecting legal and constitutional debates over candidate eligibility to remain a prominent feature of the political landscape.