The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the certificate forgery scandal involving former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, describing the President’s response as “weak and disappointing.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC faulted Tinubu for merely accepting Nnaji’s resignation without ordering his arrest or prosecution, saying the decision was “unacceptable” and undermines public trust in the government.
“By merely accepting the disgraced minister’s resignation instead of taking firm action, Tinubu has created the unfortunate impression that he is sympathetic to such misconduct,” the statement read.
The party expressed shock that Nnaji was allowed to resign quietly after reportedly admitting that his certificates were fake, adding that such leniency sends a wrong signal to Nigerians — particularly the youth — that dishonesty in public office can go unpunished.
The ADC further cited official denials from both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which refuted claims of issuing the certificates Nnaji presented for his ministerial appointment.
“By accepting his resignation, Tinubu has shown that his government is willing to let corrupt officials go unpunished,” the party added. “He has failed to set an example that honesty is a non-negotiable standard for public service.”
The statement also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fostering a culture of impunity, alleging that certificate-related scandals and questionable academic claims have become common among top government officials.
The ADC urged law enforcement agencies to independently investigate the forgery case, insisting that resignation does not absolve Nnaji of criminal responsibility.
“Forgery is not a private offense—it is a crime,” the ADC said. “If found guilty, Mr Nnaji should be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Anything short of this will amount to a cover-up.”
