People Who Can’t Name Their Primary School Want To Be President – Rufai Oseni

Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has questioned the educational information provided by some presidential candidates, particularly those whose nomination documents do not include details of their primary school education.

Oseni made the remark in a Facebook post on Sunday after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published the personal particulars and nomination documents of candidates contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to the disclosures, the broadcaster wrote: “People that can’t tell you their primary school want to be your president, and Nigerians will vote them.”

His statement has fueled ongoing public debate over the educational credentials and statutory documents submitted by presidential hopefuls ahead of the 2027 polls.

INEC recently commenced the public display of candidates’ nomination papers in line with the Electoral Act, allowing Nigerians to scrutinize the educational qualifications, affidavits, certificates, and other information submitted by those seeking elective offices.

However, the sections of the form designated for the years of his primary and secondary school education were reportedly filled with “0000”, a development that has generated widespread reactions and calls for clarification from political observers and members of the public.

In contrast, the nomination documents of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, reportedly contained detailed educational histories tracing back to their primary school years.

Oseni’s comments appeared to highlight the contrast in the level of educational information provided by the candidates, insisting that anyone seeking Nigeria’s highest political office should be subjected to thorough public scrutiny.

According to the veteran broadcaster, transparency in official documents is essential, particularly for individuals aspiring to lead the country.

Meanwhile, INEC said the publication of candidates’ personal particulars is a statutory requirement designed to give members of the public the opportunity to examine the information submitted by aspirants.

The electoral body also reminded Nigerians that, under the provisions of the Electoral Act, any individual who believes that a candidate has supplied false information in an affidavit or nomination document has the legal right to challenge such claims in court.

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