Former APC Legal Adviser Defends Tinubu’s Eligibility Amid Education Record Controversy
Babatunde Ogala (SAN), former National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has defended President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election amid renewed controversy over his educational records.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ogala stated that Tinubu satisfies the constitutional requirements concerning nationality, age and educational attainment.
He noted that the debate stems from Tinubu’s omission of details about his primary and secondary education in the personal particulars submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ogala urged that the issue be examined strictly within the provisions of the Constitution rather than through speculation about the President’s family or educational history.
He affirmed that Tinubu remains a Nigerian citizen unless a competent court determines otherwise.
On the age requirement, Ogala said Tinubu clearly meets the constitutional age threshold for anyone seeking the country’s highest office.
Regarding education, the Constitution requires a candidate to be educated up to at least School Certificate level or its legally recognised equivalent.
Ogala argued that Tinubu’s declared Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University exceeds that minimum threshold.
He compared the demand for primary and secondary school proof to asking a senior advocate to prove he is a lawyer despite his senior status.
Ogala concluded that the controversy should be resolved through a judicial process, not public speculation.
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