LP Spokesman Defends Tinubu’s Academic Credentials
The Labour Party (LP) says the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s educational qualifications should be examined strictly from a legal standpoint, not through political sentiment.
Speaking to Punch, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, noted that the law permits the President to submit his university degree without necessarily attaching his primary and secondary school certificates.
He acknowledged that the omission may raise moral questions, but it does not automatically affect Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
“But the law allows him to tender that B.Sc without the other documents that are assumed he would have got before getting the B.Sc. So, if the law permits that, I don’t see the hue and cry over it,” Asogwa said.
The LP spokesman recalled that questions about Tinubu’s academic credentials had already been taken to court during the 2023 election cycle, ultimately reaching the Supreme Court, which dismissed the case.
“Unfortunately, this matter has been litigated up to the Supreme Court, which threw the case out in the last election,” he stated.
Asogwa agreed that earning a bachelor’s degree normally implies the holder completed primary and secondary education, adding that it is reasonable to assume a First School Leaving Certificate and WAEC results preceded the B.Sc.
However, he maintained that such assumptions do not override the legal provisions governing eligibility for elective office.
Describing the controversy as largely a moral question, Asogwa insisted it has little bearing on the President’s qualification to seek re‑election.
“But, as I said, it is a matter of law. For me, it borders more on the moral aspect, which has nothing to do with his eligibility at this point,” he added.
The LP spokesman urged opposition parties to shift their focus to issues that could influence the outcome of the forthcoming election, such as the credibility of the electoral process and efforts to win voter confidence.
“So, I think we should concentrate efforts on the credibility of this coming election and what should be done to appeal to voters and win the confidence of the Nigerian electorate, rather than his qualification,” he said.
Asogwa warned that continued fixation on the President’s academic records could distract opposition from more important electoral concerns.
“Otherwise, it will be a total waste of time for the opposition to be dwelling on that,” he stated.
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