Fresh controversy has emerged following the publication of nomination documents submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other presidential candidates for the 2027 general election, with details from the President’s educational records drawing public attention.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday released the personal particulars, academic credentials and supporting documents of candidates contesting the January 16, 2027 presidential election, in line with its revised timetable and electoral guidelines.

A review of President Tinubu’s EC9 Nomination Form shows that he listed only his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Business Administration obtained from Chicago State University, United States, in 1979 under the educational qualifications section.

The publication has triggered discussions because the spaces designated for primary and secondary school qualifications on the form’s summary page were left blank. However, the President attached copies of his university degree certificate and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate as supporting documents submitted to INEC.

According to the documents, Tinubu stated that he was born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos and identified his occupation as a politician. He also outlined his professional history, indicating that he worked with Mobil Nigeria Limited between 1983 and 1992 before serving as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.

The President further listed his current employment as the Federal Government of Nigeria from 2023 to date and declared that he had never been dismissed from public service.

In contrast, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi submitted a more detailed educational record tracing his academic journey from primary school through university.

Obi described himself as a public servant and stated that he was born on July 19, 1961, in Onitsha, Anambra State.

His documents show that he attended St. Augustine’s Primary School in Anambra, where he completed his primary education in 1973. He later proceeded to Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, obtaining the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1978.

Obi also declared that he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1984. Documents attached to his nomination papers indicate that he graduated with a Second Class Honours (Lower Division).

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The former Anambra governor equally submitted his NYSC certificate, showing that he completed the mandatory national service programme between May 1985 and March 1986. However, the section reserved for previous work experience in his EC9 Form was left unfilled. He also declared that he had never been dismissed from public service.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on his part, identified himself as a businessman and stated that he was born on November 25, 1946, in Jada, Adamawa State.

His submission to INEC contained educational qualifications beginning with a First School Leaving Certificate obtained in 1954, followed by a West African School Certificate earned in 1961. He also listed a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in International Relations, which he indicated was obtained in 2020.

Atiku stated that he served in the Nigerian Customs Service between 1969 and 1989 before voluntarily retiring. He further listed the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as his place of employment from 1999 to 2007 during his tenure as Vice President, noting that he left office after completing two terms.

Like the other candidates, Atiku declared that he had never been dismissed from public service.

The publication of the documents officially opens the statutory window for public scrutiny of candidates’ credentials and personal declarations ahead of the 2027 election.

Under Section 33 of the Electoral Act, any individual who believes information contained in a candidate’s affidavit or supporting documents is false has the legal right to challenge such declarations in court by presenting evidence.

INEC had fixed August 1 for the publication of candidates’ personal particulars following the conclusion of party primaries and the submission of nomination forms.

With the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, attention is expected to intensify on the credentials, records and declarations of candidates as political campaigns for the presidency and National Assembly positions prepare to begin later this month.