The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of shielding Uche Nnaji, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, despite allegations that he presented forged academic credentials.
In a statement on Monday signed by its spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said it was not surprised that Tinubu retained Nnaji in his cabinet even after the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) disowned the certificates he submitted for his appointment.
Abdullahi said the Tinubu administration’s silence on the matter reflects “ample tolerance for corruption of all kinds”.
“It is a great disservice to our country, which has many competent and credible citizens, to have at the head of a ministry meant to drive innovation, a man tainted with such dubious credentials,” the statement said.
The party said Nnaji had admitted in court filings that UNN never issued him any degree certificate.
The statement added: “This is not an isolated case. The APC government has a long, public, and familiar record of certificate-related scandals and questionable academic claims among top officials.
“These recurring scandals and the persistent stench of forgery reflect a party that is foundationally accommodating of deceit and unbothered by basic ethical considerations.”
The ADC said it was deeply troubling that Tinubu had yet to take disciplinary action against the minister.
“By refusing to act, the Tinubu government and the APC are admitting their complicity in fraudulent conduct at the highest levels of government, and making a mockery of their claims to fighting corruption,” the party stated.
The party said governance must be built on the integrity of those who hold public office.
The party also urged the Senate and the Department of State Services (DSS) to review their vetting process for political appointments, noting that both institutions share responsibility for the current lapse.
