Atiku Maintains Stance on Alleged Forgery in Tinubu’s Academic Certificates
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for 2027, has reiterated his assertion that President Bola Tinubu’s academic certificates are forged.
Speaking during a Facebook Live session, Atiku emphasized that the integrity of Nigeria’s president should not be questioned regarding his educational credentials.
He stated,
“I was the one who raised the issue surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic certificates, and I stand by my position that there was forgery. It is unacceptable for the President of Nigeria to have such questions surrounding his academic credentials.”
Atiku’s remarks come amid ongoing public scrutiny of Tinubu’s academic records, which have been a subject of legal and political debate.
The former Vice President, who has long been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has consistently challenged the authenticity of Tinubu’s certificates, first raising the issue years prior.
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In addition to his stance on the certificate controversy, Atiku announced that the 2027 presidential election will be his final bid for the presidency, regardless of the outcome. He declared,
“Whether I win or lose, 2027 will be my last time contesting for the presidency.”
Atiku’s political career spans decades, including serving as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. His journey has been marked by multiple party switches, reflecting his evolving political alliances.
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Despite his long-standing ambition for the presidency, he has yet to secure victory in any of his previous electoral bids.
During a separate engagement with journalists on Wednesday, Atiku recounted efforts by his administration to recover allegedly stolen public funds.
He detailed how the Obasanjo administration, upon assuming office in 1999, identified individuals suspected of embezzling state resources and took direct action to reclaim the funds.
According to Atiku, the administration possessed documented evidence of the suspected individuals and approached them to facilitate the recovery of the misappropriated funds.
He explained that those involved were invited to negotiate the return of the money, with an agreement allowing them to retain five percent of the recovered amount as an incentive.
This approach, he noted, was part of a broader strategy to restore public trust and ensure accountability in the management of state resources during their tenure.
Atiku’s account underscores the complexities of financial recovery efforts in Nigeria’s political landscape, where allegations of corruption have often been a recurring theme.