A former National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Babatunde Ogala, has maintained that President Bola Tinubu is constitutionally qualified to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Ogala stated this while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he addressed the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s educational certificates and eligibility for the presidency.
The former APC legal officer argued that Tinubu meets the constitutional requirements for contesting the presidency, citing his Nigerian citizenship, age, and educational qualification.
He said the Constitution does not require candidates to provide details about their family background but focuses on citizenship, age, and minimum educational requirements.
“Is he a Nigerian? The answer is yes, unless otherwise proven or determined through a judicial process. Is Tinubu qualified to run for the presidency age-wise? The answer is yes, by constitutional provisions,” Ogala said.
The controversy followed reports that Tinubu did not submit his primary and secondary school certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a development that sparked debate among Nigerians.
Ogala, however, argued that the President’s claim of possessing a university degree satisfies the constitutional educational requirement.
He questioned why individuals would demand proof of every stage of a person’s academic history when higher qualifications are already established.
“Does he have the minimum educational qualification as prescribed by the Constitution? The man says, ‘I have a degree,’” Ogala added.
The debate over Tinubu’s eligibility is expected to remain a major political issue ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.