A heated exchange erupted between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) over President Bola Tinubu’s educational credentials submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as political tensions ahead of the 2027 general election continue to escalate.
The disagreement played out on Channels Television on Monday night, August 3, following INEC’s publication of the personal particulars and academic credentials of presidential candidates for the 2027 elections.
President Tinubu’s Form EC9, displayed by the electoral commission, listed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, United States, awarded with honours on June 22, 1979. The documents also included his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, showing he served in Oyo State between December 1982 and November 1983.
However, the form did not contain details of the President’s primary and secondary school education, a development that has fuelled fresh political debate.
Speaking during the television programme, ADC chieftain Kalu Kalu challenged President Tinubu to disclose the primary and secondary schools he attended, insisting Nigerians deserve clarity on his educational background.
But APC member Alwan Hassan dismissed the criticism, maintaining that the Constitution does not require a candidate to present details of primary and secondary education. He argued that the constitutional requirement is possession of a “school certificate” or its equivalent, adding that the equivalent includes the ability to read and write.
The clash reflects the growing political contest over candidates’ qualifications and documentation as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with educational credentials emerging once again as a major point of contention.
