2027: Ndume Tells Opposition to Stop Focusing on Tinubu’s Academic Qualifications

Former Senate Leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ali Ndume, has urged opposition parties to stop focusing on President Bola Tinubu’s academic qualifications ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

Ndume made the position known in a statement on Monday while reacting to renewed concerns over the President’s academic credentials.

Opposition parties had raised questions about Tinubu’s qualifications after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published details of the academic credentials of 19 presidential candidates and their running mates.

However, Ndume argued that Tinubu had satisfied the constitutional requirements to contest the presidency.

The APC chieftain also dismissed suggestions that the President was required to attach his secondary school certificate to his nomination documents.

According to Ndume, the opposition should focus on presenting policies and programmes capable of convincing Nigerians rather than dwelling on issues he considers settled.

He maintained that the President’s eligibility should be assessed based on the requirements established by law for presidential candidates.

The renewed debate over Tinubu’s academic credentials comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

The issue has remained politically sensitive, with opposition figures questioning aspects of the President’s educational history, while his supporters maintain that he met the requirements to contest and be elected president.

With the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, the debate over candidates’ qualifications is expected to remain part of the broader political contest as campaigns gather momentum