The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s primary and secondary school certificates were not included among the educational credentials published as part of documents submitted by presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.
An INEC official said the commission published the credentials and personal particulars submitted to it by the candidates and their political parties.
The explanation comes amid renewed scrutiny of the documents published by INEC for the 2027 presidential election.
Recent reports on the documents displayed by the electoral commission showed that Tinubu’s educational qualification section listed his university qualification, while details for his primary and secondary education were not included.
The issue has generated political debate, particularly among opposition figures and groups questioning aspects of the President’s academic history.
However, the INEC explanation places the responsibility for the contents of the published credentials on the documents submitted to the commission.
The commission’s position is that it published the information provided by the relevant political party rather than independently creating or supplying additional educational records for candidates.
INEC recently commenced the statutory publication of candidates’ personal particulars, academic credentials and other supporting documents ahead of the 2027 election, allowing members of the public to scrutinise the information submitted by candidates.
The development is expected to keep the debate over candidates’ qualifications and documentation in the public spotlight as political parties prepare for the 2027 presidential contest.