A civil society organisation, the Center for Reform and Public Advocacy, has submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting clarification over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic qualifications and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The petition, dated June 19, 2026, was submitted through a team of lawyers led by Kalu Agu, urging the electoral body to review the documents presented by President Tinubu in his Form EC9 during the 2023 presidential election.
The group asked INEC to state its legal position on claims surrounding the authenticity and implications of the president’s submitted credentials.
The petitioners referenced documents that emerged from legal proceedings in the United States in 2023, alleging that they raised concerns about Tinubu’s academic records and NYSC certificate.
They called on INEC to assess whether the allegations have any constitutional implications before the next election cycle begins.
The organisation said it had also approached the NYSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), requesting official clarification on the certificate under question.
According to the petition, INEC, being responsible for screening electoral candidates, should publicly explain whether the issues raised could affect the president’s eligibility to contest future elections.
The group cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), arguing that submission of false information or forged documents to the electoral commission could have consequences for a candidate’s qualification.
It warned that failure by INEC to respond to the request could lead to legal action aimed at challenging the acceptance of Tinubu’s candidacy if he decides to seek re-election in 2027.
The petitioners maintained that their request was aimed at obtaining legal clarity on the matter ahead of the forthcoming election process.
INEC had not issued an official response to the petition as of the time of filing the report.
