The US chapter of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a stern warning to a group of opposition activists who plan to hold a press conference on Monday to question the validity of President Bola Tinubu’s academic certificate from Chicago State University (CSU).

The APC said in a statement on Sunday night that the group, which calls itself the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) USA, is not the original NADECO that fought for democracy during the military regime of Sani Abacha in the 1990s. The APC accused the group of being a front for the supporters of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Peoples Democratic Party candidate Atiku Abubakar, who lost to Tinubu in the 2023 election.

The APC said that CSU has already confirmed the authenticity of Tinubu’s certificate, which has been a subject of controversy since he declared his intention to run for president in 2022. The APC also said that the matter is already before the courts, where Tinubu’s opponents have challenged his eligibility to contest the election based on his educational qualification.

The APC urged the public not to be misled by the “smokescreen” of NADECO USA, which it said is trying to “distort history” and “undermine the reputation” of Tinubu and Nigeria. The APC said that it believes in the strength of the democratic processes and the judicial system to address any legitimate concerns. It also advised NADECO USA to engage in constructive dialogue and allow the legal system to take its course.

Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state and a leader of the APC, was sworn in as Nigeria’s president on May 29, 2023, after defeating Obi and Abubakar in a landslide victory. He is widely seen as a reformer and a visionary who has transformed Lagos into a modern megacity and a hub of innovation. He has also promised to tackle Nigeria’s security, economic, and social challenges with his “Next Level” agenda.

However, Tinubu has also faced criticism from some quarters over his alleged involvement in corruption, human rights violations, and political godfatherism. His opponents have also questioned his age, health, and nationality, claiming that he is not a Nigerian citizen by birth.

Tinubu has dismissed these allegations as baseless and politically motivated. He has maintained that he is qualified to lead Nigeria and that he has nothing to hide from the public. He has also expressed confidence that he will overcome any legal hurdles and deliver on his promises to Nigerians.

As Nigeria marks its 63rd independence anniversary on October 1, many Nigerians are hopeful that Tinubu will be able to unite the country and usher in a new era of peace, prosperity, and progress.

Source: Punch