Ndume Calls Tinubu's Certificate Controversy a Distraction

Senator Ali Ndume, the former Senate Leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), commented on the ongoing controversy regarding President Bola Tinubu's academic qualifications, labeling it a distraction. This controversy arose following the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)'s publication of the academic qualifications of 19 presidential candidates and their running mates.

In a press statement issued on Monday, Ndume urged opposition figures to refrain from focusing on Tinubu's credentials, asserting that he has fulfilled the eligibility requirements for the presidency. He referenced Section 131(d) of the 1999 Constitution, which establishes a minimum educational threshold for presidential candidates but does not mandate a specific secondary school certificate.

Ndume stated, “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if- (d) he has been educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent.” He further encouraged opposition parties to concentrate on Tinubu's policies and performance rather than his eligibility, which has already been addressed through litigation from the 2023 presidential election.