CSO Asks INEC for Clarification on Tinubu’s Academic Records, Warns of Legal Action Ahead of 2027 Polls

 

Abuja, Nigeria – June 19, 2026

A civil society organisation has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to provide a legal interpretation on the status of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic and NYSC documents, saying the issue could affect his eligibility for the 2027 presidential election.

The Centre For Reform and Public Advocacy, CFRPA, made the request in a letter dated June 19, 2026, addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and received at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.


CFRPA writes INEC over alleged fake documents  

CFRPA described itself as a non-profit, pro-democracy, human rights, anti-corruption and public interest advocacy organisation. In the letter, it alleged issues around documents submitted to INEC in relation to President Tinubu’s electoral eligibility.

“In line with our objectives, we respectfully wish to bring to your notice, the Fake Chicago State University Certificate and forged National Youth Service Corps Discharge Certificate presented to the Commission,” the group stated.

The organisation referenced 2023 legal proceedings in the United States involving academic records linked to Chicago State University. It said an American court, in a discovery case, directed the university to release academic records. CFRPA claimed inconsistencies were identified in the released materials, including alleged discrepancies in admission details and examination records.


Group seeks INEC’s legal position, threatens suit  

CFRPA urged INEC to provide a formal legal clarification on the implications of the documents it referenced, particularly in relation to constitutional provisions governing eligibility for elections in Nigeria.

“It is on the basis of the foregoing, that we respectfully write to you requesting for a legal clarification,” the letter read.

The group warned that failure by INEC to respond could lead to legal action.  

“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,” it added.

CFRPA also cited constitutional provisions relating to disqualification of candidates for elections over alleged forged documents, and urged INEC to act within its regulatory mandate.


INEC yet to respond  

At the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official response to the letter.

Context

President Tinubu’s academic records and NYSC certificate have been subject of public debate and court cases since the 2023 elections. In 2023, a U.S. court ordered Chicago State University to release records relating to Tinubu after a subpoena filed by PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. The university later affirmed Tinubu attended the institution and graduated in 1979, though issues around document formatting were raised during proceedings.

Nigeria’s Constitution disqualifies a candidate who presents a forged certificate to INEC. The final determination on eligibility rests with the courts, while INEC’s role is to verify documents submitted by candidates and parties during nomination.

Note: The allegations remain claims by CFRPA. President Tinubu has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding his academic records. No court has disqualified him on this matter as of June 2026.

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