ADC faults Tinubu’s response to ex-minister’s alleged forgery, demands prosecution

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the alleged certificate forgery scandal involving Uche Nnaji, former minister of innovation, science and technology.

The party said Tinubu’s decision to merely accept Nnaji’s resignation was “weak and disappointing”, insisting that allegations of forgery should attract legal consequences rather than quiet exits from office.

Nnaji has been under fire over allegations that he forged the credentials he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the senate during his ministerial confirmation.

Nnaji resigned on Tuesday after an investigation by Premium Times showed that he allegedly forged the credentials he submitted to the presidency and the senate during his ministerial confirmation.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, confirmed that Tinubu accepted Nnaji’s resignation.

‘FORGERY IS NOT A PRIVATE OFFENCE’

In a statement on Wednesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s national publicity secretary, said the development raised questions about the government’s commitment to integrity and accountability.

“The ADC believes that the decision of President Tinubu to merely accept the offending former minister’s resignation, instead of taking a tougher stance, gives the unfortunate impression that the president is sympathetic to such behaviour,” the statement reads.

Abdullahi said the party was disappointed that Nnaji was allowed to resign quietly after admitting discrepancies in his credentials, adding that the situation could send the wrong message to Nigerians, especially young people, about accountability in public life.

He said both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) had denied issuing the certificates presented by the former minister, noting that public confidence in governance depends on how such cases are handled.

According to the statement, simply accepting Nnaji’s resignation suggests leniency toward alleged misconduct in public office.

“In this regard, by simply accepting his resignation, President Tinubu has shown that, for whatever reason, his administration is willing to let corrupt officials off the hook easily,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC urged the federal government to set a higher standard of accountability for public officers and called on law enforcement agencies to carry out an independent investigation into the allegations.

“Forgery is not a private offence; it is a crime. If found guilty, Mr Nnaji should be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Anything less will amount to a cover-up,” the statement added.

The party also said the incident highlighted a recurring pattern of ethical lapses in public service and urged the administration to act decisively to restore public trust.