Ubani Defends Tinubu's Certificate Omission Legally

During an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Monday Ubani defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against allegations made by former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye. Melaye claimed that Tinubu did not include his primary and secondary school certificates in the nomination documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 election.

Ubani clarified that according to Section 131 of the 1999 Constitution, a presidential candidate is only required to demonstrate education up to the school certificate level or its equivalent, without a legal obligation to present primary or secondary school certificates. He emphasized that the omission raises transparency concerns but is not a legal breach.

Ubani also noted that judicial interpretations support the notion that candidates need only show evidence of having attained the required educational level, not necessarily produce certificates. He stated that INEC acted within the law by publishing candidates' documents without verifying them.