2027: Narrative around Tinubu’s academic credentials distraction – Ndume

Former Senate Leader and APC chieftain, Senator Ali Ndume, has advised opposition parties not to dwell on President Bola Tinubu's academic qualifications ahead of the upcoming presidential election on January 16. Ndume spoke in a press statement on Monday, following concerns raised by opposition parties about Tinubu's academic credentials after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released details of the educational backgrounds of 19 presidential candidates and their running mates.

Ndume emphasized that Tinubu has met the eligibility requirements for the office, dismissing the notion that his secondary school certificate should have been included. He referenced Section 131(d) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that a candidate must have been educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent.

Ndume argued that the debate over Tinubu's certificate is unproductive and suggested that opposition parties should instead concentrate on Tinubu's policies and performance as President, as this matter has already been addressed in litigation following the 2023 presidential election. Ndume expressed that the focus on Tinubu's certificate is merely a distraction.