2027: Group petitions INEC to review Tinubu’s academic credentials, NYSC discharge certificate

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received a fresh petition requesting a review of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s educational qualifications ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The petition, dated June 19, 2026, was submitted by the Center for Reform and Public Advocacy, a civil society organisation, through a consortium of lawyers led by Kalu Agu.

In the petition, the group urged INEC to provide a legal clarification regarding the authenticity and implications of documents submitted by President Tinubu in his Form EC9 during the 2023 presidential election.

The petitioners alleged that documents obtained during legal proceedings in the United States in 2023 raised questions about the president’s academic records and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

According to the group, INEC should examine the legal consequences of the allegations before the commencement of the next election cycle.

The petition stated that the organisation had also written to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), seeking official clarification regarding the certificate in question.

The group argued that INEC, as the electoral body responsible for screening candidates, should publicly state its legal position on the matter and determine whether the allegations have any effect on the president’s eligibility to contest future elections.

Citing relevant constitutional provisions, the petitioners maintained that presenting forged documents to the commission could affect a candidate’s qualification for elective office.

They further warned that failure by INEC to respond to the request could result in legal action aimed at preventing the commission from accepting President Tinubu’s candidacy should he seek re-election in 2027.

The petition specifically referenced provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) relating to candidate eligibility and the submission of false information to the electoral commission.

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

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