President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing a fresh petition in Brussels over allegations concerning his academic credentials and constitutional eligibility ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
A lawyer and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kalu Kalu, reportedly submitted the petition to the European Union Commission on Friday.
Kalu alleged that Tinubu presented forged academic certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in connection with the 2027 presidential election. He also questioned the absence of details concerning the president’s primary and secondary education in documents submitted to the electoral commission.
According to the lawyer, the allegations raise constitutional questions under Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution, particularly the provision relating to the presentation of a forged certificate to INEC.
Kalu argued that the matter extends beyond questions surrounding the president’s educational history, insisting that any proven submission of false credentials could have implications for constitutional eligibility for the presidency.
He said the alleged conduct amounted to an attempt to circumvent constitutional requirements and undermine the country’s legal framework.
The petition comes as questions surrounding Tinubu’s academic records continue to resurface ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Previous Petition to INEC
The latest development follows another petition submitted to INEC in June.
On June 19, 2026, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy reportedly called on the electoral commission to reopen investigations into Tinubu’s academic and NYSC records.
The organisation sought clarification on the authenticity of documents it said Tinubu submitted during the 2023 presidential election process.
The petition, signed by lawyers led by Kalu Kalu Agu, the organisation’s Head of Legal Unit, raised questions concerning academic records released by Chicago State University following a United States court order requiring the institution to produce documents connected to a legal case involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Earlier Appeals to International Bodies
The controversy over Tinubu’s academic credentials has previously been taken to international organisations.
In October 2023, former All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary Timi Frank called on the European Union, United States, United Kingdom and ECOWAS to take action over allegations concerning Tinubu’s academic certificate.
Frank argued at the time that if it were established that Tinubu had submitted a forged certificate to INEC, the matter would have constitutional implications.
He cited Section 137(1)(j) of the Constitution, which provides that a person is not qualified for election to the office of president if they have presented a forged certificate to INEC.
Frank also called on ECOWAS to reconsider Tinubu’s role as chairman of the regional bloc, arguing that the allegations could affect his credibility.
EU Election Report Also Drew Controversy
The latest petition also comes against the background of earlier tensions surrounding the EU’s involvement in Nigeria’s electoral process.
In July 2023, the EU Election Observation Mission released its report on Nigeria’s general elections, raising concerns about aspects of the electoral process and making recommendations for future elections.
The report subsequently generated controversy among political supporters, with some supporters of Tinubu staging a protest at the EU office in Abuja.
Members of the opposition criticised the protest, accusing the demonstrators of attempting to intimidate or discredit the EU mission because of its assessment of the election.
Atiku’s former aide, Phrank Shaibu, also previously warned against any attempt to interfere with proceedings arising from the 2023 presidential election dispute, linking the concerns to the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s credentials.
The latest petition is expected to renew debate over Tinubu’s academic records and the constitutional provisions governing eligibility for the Nigerian presidency. However, the allegations contained in the petition remain allegations and would require verification and appropriate legal determination.
