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Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has advised opposition parties to concentrate on President Bola Tinubu's performance rather than his academic credentials as the 2027 general elections draw nearer. Speaking in a statement released in Abuja, Ndume criticized the renewed emphasis on Tinubu's educational background as a diversion from the issues that should take center stage in the election campaign.

"The focus on his certificates is a distraction," he stated. "Opposition presidential candidates should be telling Nigerians what they bring to the table. What are their alternative economic policies? How can they outperform President Tinubu?" Ndume questioned the focus on Tinubu's educational qualifications, given that he has been in office for over three years.

He urged opposition figures to scrutinize Tinubu's economic policies and his government's approach to security challenges. Ndume made his remarks following reports that Tinubu's EC9 form, submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), left blank columns for primary and secondary school education. The President listed a B.Sc in Business Administration from Chicago State University, obtained in 1979, alongside his degree certificate and NYSC discharge certificate.

Ndume, however, argued that Tinubu had fulfilled the educational requirements set out in the Constitution. According to Section 131(d) of the 1999 Constitution, a presidential candidate must be "educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent." Ndume also noted that the matter of Tinubu's qualifications had been settled by the courts following the 2023 presidential election.

He urged opposition parties to raise the level of political discourse as the 2027 elections approach, emphasizing the importance of elevating the debate beyond trivial matters. Ndume quoted Eleanor Roosevelt, saying, "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."