2027: People Who Can’t Tell Their Primary School Want to Be President — Rufai Oseni

Popular broadcaster and Arise Television Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has questioned the credibility of presidential aspirants who fail to disclose details of their primary school education while seeking Nigeria’s highest political office.

Oseni made the remarks in a Facebook post on Sunday following the publication of the personal particulars of presidential candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

Reacting to the nomination documents, the broadcaster criticised candidates who omitted information about their early education, arguing that Nigerians should demand greater transparency from those aspiring to lead the country.

“People that can’t tell you their primary school want to be your president and Nigerians will vote them,” Oseni wrote.

His comments come amid growing public debate over the educational information contained in the documents submitted by presidential candidates.

A review of the particulars published by INEC showed that President Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), listed only his Bachelor of Science degree obtained from Chicago State University among his educational qualifications.

The sections provided for his primary and secondary school attendance years were entered as “0000,” although copies of his university degree certificate and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate were attached to the nomination documents.

In contrast, the nomination forms submitted by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, contained educational histories beginning from their primary school education.

The publication of the candidates’ particulars has generated widespread reactions from political stakeholders and members of the public, with many calling for greater openness from those contesting public office.

INEC explained that the publication of the documents forms part of the statutory process required under the Electoral Act.

According to the commission, the display allows members of the public to examine the nomination papers and supporting documents submitted by candidates before the elections.

The electoral body also noted that any individual who believes the information contained in a candidate’s affidavit is false may institute legal proceedings to challenge the declaration in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The commission said the public scrutiny period is intended to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.