The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has revived questions over the authenticity of the Chicago State University certificate used by President Bola Tinubu for clearance ahead of the 2023 general election.
In a letter dated June 19, 2026, and received the same day at INEC headquarters in Abuja, the group asked INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to clarify the status of the certificate claimed by the President.
The group said the clarification is necessary ahead of the 2027 election and argued that people with questionable backgrounds should not be allowed to seek leadership positions.
CFRPA alleged that Tinubu claimed to have attended Government College Lagos in 1960 and graduated in May 1970, despite the school being established in 1974. It argued that the primary and secondary school certificates used to gain admission into Chicago State University may have been forged and urged INEC to address the issue.
The group also cited Sections 137(1)(j) and 285(14) of the 1999 Constitution, saying INEC has the power to disqualify ineligible candidates. It warned that it would go to court if the commission failed to state its position on Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 election.
Parts of the letter read: “We are a non-profit, pro-democracy, human rights, anti corruption and public interest advocacy organization in Nigeria.
“In line with our objectives, we respectfully wish to bring to your notice the Fake Chicago State University Certificate and forged National Youth Service Corps Discharge Certificate presented to the Commission by President Bola A. Tinubu to aid his qualification for the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria.
“By virtue of Section 137(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), any candidate who presents a forged certificate to INEC is not qualified to contest for office of President of Nigeria.”
