Accusations Against the APC and Calls for Accountability
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious allegations against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of being a sanctuary for individuals with dubious academic credentials. In a statement issued by its National Publicivity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to accept the resignation of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, without initiating a full investigation into the matter.
Nnaji resigned on Tuesday after a Premium Times report revealed that he had presented forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates during his ministerial screening in 2023. Both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the NYSC have since disowned the documents, raising concerns about the integrity of the appointment process.
“The APC has normalised deceit, turning it into a defining trait while providing refuge for individuals with dubious integrity and forged credentials,” the ADC stated. The party expressed disappointment that Nnaji was allowed to resign quietly after admitting that the certificates he submitted were not issued by the relevant institutions. This, according to the ADC, sends a dangerous message to Nigerians, especially the youth, that dishonesty in public life carries no consequences.
The ADC called on law enforcement agencies to conduct an independent investigation into the matter, emphasizing that resignation does not absolve someone of criminal liability. “Forgery is a crime,” the party said. “If found guilty, Mr. Nnaji should be prosecuted. Anything less will amount to a cover-up.”
The ADC also questioned President Tinubu’s commitment to combating corruption, arguing that his failure to act decisively in this case undermines public confidence in his administration’s integrity drive.
Nnaji’s Response and Claims of Innocence
In response to the allegations, Nnaji denied any wrongdoing in a press statement released on Wednesday. He clarified that his resignation did not equate to an admission of guilt. Instead, he attributed his decision to step down to a “sustained campaign of falsehood” against him and his office.
“My decision to quit was prompted by the relentless attacks and false narratives surrounding me,” Nnaji said. “After deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians, I have tendered my resignation as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology to President Bola Tinubu.”
He described the allegations as “politically motivated and malicious,” adding that his resignation was a principled decision to allow due process to take its course. “My decision to step aside is not an admission of guilt, but a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and preserve the integrity of judicial proceedings currently before the court,” he explained.
Nnaji thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued support for the administration’s goals. “His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear,” he stated. “I remain committed to supporting his administration and its transformative agenda.”
Criticism from HEDA Resource Centre
Meanwhile, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre condemned the Presidency, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Senate for what it described as a “gross dereliction of duty” in the appointment and confirmation of Nnaji. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA called the incident a “shameful institutional failure” that exposed flaws in Nigeria’s governance and vetting systems.
“It is disheartening that President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the DSS all ignored clear red flags and public outcry over Mr. Nnaji’s forged credentials,” Suraju said. “This incident not only erodes public trust but reinforces the perception that corruption and impunity remain the operating principles within Nigeria’s political leadership.”
HEDA recalled that it had petitioned both the President and the Senate as far back as June 2024, urging an investigation into the forgery allegations and Nnaji’s suspension pending inquiry. However, these warnings were ignored. The group also accused the DSS of negligence, alleging that the agency failed to verify Nnaji’s credentials or deliberately suppressed evidence during the security clearance process.
“From Kemi Adeosun to Stella Oduah, and now Geoffrey Nnaji, this pattern of negligence has become too consistent to ignore,” HEDA said. While acknowledging Nnaji’s resignation as “necessary but belated,” the organization insisted that accountability must go beyond stepping down. “Resignation does not erase the crime of forgery. Those who enabled this fraud within the Presidency, DSS, and Senate must also be held accountable,” Suraju added.
HEDA urged President Tinubu to order the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the case and commended Premium Times for its investigative diligence in exposing the scandal.
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