Tinubu Should Be Disqualified Over Academic Credentials

Certificate Saga: Kenneth Okonkwo Says Tinubu Should Be Disqualified Over Academic Credentials

By The Analyst Online Media

ABUJA — Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has argued that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be disqualified from holding office, maintaining that unresolved questions surrounding the academic credentials submitted during the 2023 presidential election raise constitutional concerns.

Okonkwo, a lawyer and former spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, made the remarks while discussing the long-running controversy over the President's educational records. He contended that the issue goes beyond politics and touches on constitutional requirements for occupying Nigeria's highest office.

According to him, if it is established that any candidate submitted false information or forged documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), such a candidate would be liable to disqualification under the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The ADC chieftain maintained that the controversy surrounding President Tinubu's academic records has not been satisfactorily resolved and urged the appropriate constitutional institutions to ensure that the matter is addressed strictly in accordance with the law.

Okonkwo argued that adherence to constitutional provisions is essential for safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.

The issue of President Tinubu's academic credentials has remained the subject of political and legal debate since the 2023 presidential election. The controversy intensified following litigation in Nigeria and proceedings involving Chicago State University records in the United States.

President Tinubu has consistently maintained that the credentials he submitted are authentic. His legal team has repeatedly dismissed allegations of forgery, while Nigerian courts have previously ruled on election petitions challenging his qualification, ultimately affirming his election.

The Presidency has also maintained that there is no legal basis for questioning the President's continued stay in office, insisting that the Supreme Court has conclusively determined issues relating to the 2023 presidential election.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Presidency to Okonkwo's latest comments.

The renewed exchange underscores the continuing political debate over constitutional compliance, electoral transparency and accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.