By Oluwayanmife Ayobami
The controversy surrounding the authenticity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s diploma certificate from Chicago State University (CSU) has raised important constitutional questions.
Tinubu, who used the certificate to secure clearance for the 2023 presidential election, is now facing allegations of submitting forged documents.
The recent revelation from a top official of CSU, Mr. Carl Westberg, adds a new layer to the ongoing debate.
READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate not fake –Presidency insists
Qualifications for Presidential candidates
According to the Nigerian Constitution, a person shall not be qualified for election to the office of president if he falls under certain disqualifying criteria.
Relevant to Tinubu’s case is the provision of Section 137(1):
- Section 137(1)(i): “…he has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
Allegations against Tinubu
The allegations against Tinubu involve the submission of a forged diploma certificate to INEC.
If proven true, this could fall under Section 137(1)(i) of the Constitution, constituting a ground for disqualification.
Court proceedings and implications
The legal proceedings initiated by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, challenging the authenticity of Tinubu’s certificate, have resulted in a deposition by Mr. Carl Westberg, the Registrar of CSU.
Westberg’s testimony suggests variations in signatures, logos, and seals, raising doubts about the document’s authenticity.
It should be noted that if the allegations are proven, it could have significant implications for Tinubu’s eligibility for the presidency.
The legal proceedings and the subsequent Supreme Court decision will ultimately determine the course of action and its impact on the political landscape.
READ ALSO: We will take it from there: LP expresses concerns over Tinubu’s academic records
Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate not fake –Presidency insists
In another news, the Presidency strongly asserts that President Bola Tinubu’s academic certificate, which he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is not fake.
Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, stated that the Chicago State University (CSU) has confirmed the authenticity of the president’s certificate.
According to Ajayi, CSU, under oath, verified that Tinubu attended and graduated from the university. Furthermore, CSU clarified that they don’t handle replacements for lost certificates.
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