Atiku demand probe into Tinubu’s cabinet amid forgery storm, sparks Nationwide debate

By Shamsudeen Abubakar

Following the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, amid forgery allegations, Former Vice President and 2023 PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for a transparent and independent probe into the academic and professional credentials of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his cabinet members.

Atiku’s demand has spread widespread national debate, reflecting a storm of opinions over the integrity of the current administration and the need for accountability in public service.

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In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday 8, October, 2025, Atiku described Uche Nnaji’s resignation as yet another episode in what he termed the “forgery-ridden character” of the Tinubu’s administration. The post quickly generated thousands of reactions, 2,286 reposts,186 quotes, 5,038 likes, and 254 bookmarks within 48 hours, stirring intense discussions across the country.

Atiku pointed to what he described as a moral crisis originating from the presidency itself. He referenced the long-standing controversies surrounding President Tinubu’s identity, age, and academic records, including the unresolved Chicago State University case as scandal.

In his words: “This episode is not isolated. It is a reflection of a pattern, a rot that begins from the very top. The man who occupies the office of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has for decades been enmeshed in controversies surrounding his identity, age, and academic records. From the Chicago State University saga to multiple contradictory claims under oath, the world has seen ample evidence that Nigeria today is led by a man who himself has been unable to credibly defend the authenticity of his own certificates.”

Atiku warned that the alleged pattern of forgery and perjury has normalized deception in public services, eroding governance ethics and threatening Nigerian’s moral and economic future. Urging for a comprehensive probe into all cabinet members’ credentials, he emphasized that restoring integrity in public life is essential for national progress.

“I, therefore, call for an independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the academic and professional credentials of all members of the Federal Executive Council, beginning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself. Nigerians deserve to know the truth about those who preside over their lives and resources.” He sarcastically remarked that the DSS deserve flowers for their negligence.

“Until this cleansing is done, Nigeria will continue to sink deeper into moral decay, economic ruin, and global embarrassment. The time has come to rescue our country from the grip of deceit and restore integrity to public life.” Atiku disclosed.

Mixed Reactions Trail Atiku’s Call

The call for Investigation has prompted mixed reactions. While some Nigerians hailed Atiku’s courage to speak out on X, others accused him of hypocrisy, arguing that his own political history was far from spotless.

Joshua Iko-Ojo, a political analyst, faulted the former Vice President’s moral stance, saying: “These narratives can revolve around the fact that politicians often disregard vetting outcomes in favour of partisan interests, something that Atiku is personally guilty of. He should remove the planks in his eyes before removing the dust in another’s.”

Olajide LXG, another commenter, reminded Atiku of past events.

“Under the government in 1999, you served as the Vice President, the then speaker, Alhaji Salisu Buhari, was pardoned by your boss for this same offence. Nobody held Obasanjo accountable,” he shared, adding that it was part of the decay Atiku had helped to create.

Scientific Principles in Public Accountability

Others, however, applauded Atiku’s statement as a necessary wake-up call.

Professor Isa Odibi, a renowned Nigerian scientist and entrepreneur, praised Atiku’s position. He described the scandal as a national tragedy that struck Nigeria’s credibility and marks a critical juncture for the nation’s moral and governance standards.

“Integrity is the first principle of progress. For a country striving to build a knowledge-driven economy, the collapse of moral standards within its leadership class is not only tragic but dangerous. Innovation and science cannot thrive in an environment where dishonesty is normalized and accountability is selectively applied.

“In scientific practice, falsification of data results is immediate dismissal and professional disqualification. We should expect no less from those who manage public resources,” he revealed.

Odibi emphasized that Nnaji’s allegations represent more than an individual failing, they signify a systemic breakdown in the Nigerian’s institutions. He criticized the DSS for failing to detect certificate forgery during ministerial screening, noting that transparency is lacking in many government processes.

He further called for four urgent measures to save Nigeria from politicking, ranging from a thorough investigation into President Tinubu and his cabinet members’ credentials, accountability for those found guilty, reform of screening processes, and international observation of Nigeria’s verification systems.

He added that: “The scientific community understands better than most that truth forms the foundation of progress. We cannot build a prosperous Nigeria on a foundation of forged certificates and falsified records. I stand with His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and all Nigerians who demand accountability, transparency, and a restoration of integrity to our public life,” he ultimately said.

“We cannot continue to allow dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership”—- Peter Obi

Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, also weighed in the issue, expressing that they cannot allow dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership.

He expressed that: “As a matter of urgency, this is the time for a comprehensive national review of the qualification and background verification process for all public office holders. Other nations, like Ghana, have set an example by thoroughly cross-checking the educational claims and credentials of all candidates before elections. Nigeria must not do less,” he advised, commending Nnaji’s resignation as a decent and honourable step.

Obi emphasized that certificate forgery is not trivial but a serious criminal offense that threatens Nigeria’s governance fabric. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant agencies to verify and authenticate the academic and professional credentials of all candidates, from the presidency to local government levels, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi also stressed the need to end the culture of dishonesty and criminality in leadership to restore public trust and national progress. In his words, he declared, “We cannot continue to allow dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership,” he asserted, urging for an urgent reform of the qualification and background verification process to ensure transparency and accountability for a new Nigeria.

Atiku’s Claim on Tinubu’s Education Faces Strong Criticisms

Clinton M. Stephen, a strong supporter of President Tinubu, dismissed Atiku’s claims. He insisted that the President’s academic records were verifiable.

According to him: “I don’t believe your analysis above. I’m not a supporter of forgery, but President Tinubu attended Chicago State University between 1977 and 1979, majoring in Accounting and Business. He was a student!”

Another user, Danladi USA noted that: “Waziri should know better that former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, resigned when she was accused of forgery. It’s not peculiar to this administration alone.

“Citicism should be constructive not political. Meanwhile, it’s on record that the DSS did a very thorough job,” Danladi added.

Moreover, a user, Sarkin Yaki Baba Buhari, reflected on the inconsistency and hypocrisy he had observed in political allegations of President Tinubu.

“They once accused the late Baba Daura of having a fake certificate,” Sarkin Yaki said that they stood by him and defended him during that time.

“They are accusing President Tinubu of the same thing —a fake certificate. This same logic applies; we will defend and support him,” he vouched, noting that he despised hypocrisy.

However, Masterpiece expressed that certificates don’t necessarily guarantee competence. In Nigeria, the obsession with certificates often leads people to seek shortcuts instead of focusing on acquiring relevant skills and knowledge to excel in their fields.

For another commenter, Lion King, Atiku should confront his own past rather than question Tinubu’s.

In his words: “Before casting stones at national institutions, kindly cleanse yourself of the long-standing stains of corruption and abuse of office that trailed your years in Customs and as Vice President.”

Amid Credential Controversy, Citizens Urge Solutions on Economy and Security

Several users also stressed that the debate over certificates distracts from pressing governance issues such as the economy, inflation, and electricity.

Mikaila Olaniyan wrote: “Stop this. Bring an alternative to governance. For the first time in Nigeria, a minister has resigned. What police do you want to use to go faster than Tinubu? How do you intend to grow the economy, reduce inflation, or improve electricity?” He noted that those are the troubling issues in Nigeria not personal vendetta.

“One individual’s Alleged Misconduct should not be used to Discredit an Entire Government” —- Botmaster

Botmaster shared similar sentiments with Mikaila. He insisted that accountability should not be sacrificed for political loyalty.

“One man’s misconduct should not be used to discredit an entire government.” He shared that “Instead of politicizing every incident, we should strengthen verification systems, promote transparency, and allow lawful investigations to determine guilt or innocence.”

Also, Umar Nuhu slammed Atiku, saying that: “The man Nigerians rejected at the polls is now giving moral sermons. We’ve heard enough, Sir. The country is busy working, not whining,” he accentuated, “Tinubu or Shettima, twice!”

Nonetheless, Nwafresh expressed frustration over the government’s competence, saying, “If Tinubu and his cabinet can not verify one man’s credentials, how can they handle Nigeria’s security issues? The government is like ‘matter,’ it occupies space but does nothing.”

Ambassador Ingawa urged both parties of the government to move beyond finger-pointing and focus on leadership solutions.

“Put an end to this. Propose a different approach to leadership. For the first time in Nigeria, a minister has stepped down. What strategy would you implement to accelerate progress beyond what Tinubu is achieving?”