The National Democratic Coalition, a pro-democracy group in Nigeria, has written a letter to the Economic Community of West African States over the allegations of forgery against President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, who is also the current Chairman of ECOWAS.
The group has urged the regional body to investigate the allegations and call for Tinubu’s resignation if they are found to be true.
The letter, dated October 10 and signed by the Executive Director of NADECO USA, Lloyd Ukwu, was obtained by Vanguard newspaper. In the letter, NADECO expressed its appreciation for the achievements of ECOWAS in promoting regional stability, economic cooperation, and sustainable development. However, it also expressed its deep concern over the credibility and integrity of Tinubu, who has been accused of falsifying his certificates from the Chicago State University and being involved in drug-related offenses in the United States.
The letter stated, “These allegations are not only detrimental to the reputation of ECOWAS but also raise significant questions about the moral and legal fitness of President Tinubu to continue leading this esteemed regional body.” The group added that it was “morally questionable and globally embarrassing” for a president facing such allegations to hold such a prominent position within ECOWAS.
NADECO requested that ECOWAS initiate a serious and thorough investigation into the allegations and call for Tinubu’s immediate resignation if they are confirmed. The group also suggested that ECOWAS should suspend Nigeria’s membership until the matter is resolved. Furthermore, NADECO urged ECOWAS to adopt a code of conduct and an anti-corruption policy for its leaders and members.
The allegations against Tinubu have been circulating in the media for some time. In 2022, a fact-checking website reported that Tinubu had attended the Chicago State University and graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree. However, in 2023, a news website claimed that the university had revealed in a 32-page document that Tinubu was female and had forged his certificates. The university later denied issuing such a document and confirmed Tinubu’s attendance and graduation.
Tinubu has also been accused of being involved in drug trafficking and money laundering in the United States. In 1993, he was reportedly arrested at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for carrying $460,000 in cash. He was also allegedly linked to a drug cartel that operated in Chicago in the 1980s. Tinubu has denied all these allegations and claimed that they were politically motivated.
Tinubu became the president of Nigeria in 2023 after defeating former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a controversial election. He also became the chairman of ECOWAS in June 2023. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and powerful politicians in Nigeria and West Africa. He is also seen as a potential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.