The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s method of handling the resignation of Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who was accused of certificate forgery.
The party described the President’s response as “weak” and “disappointing.”
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the President’s decision to merely accept the minister’s resignation instead of taking firm disciplinary action sends the wrong signal about integrity and accountability in public service.
According to the ADC, both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) had officially denied issuing the certificates presented by Mr Nnaji during his ministerial screening. The party added that court filings by Mr Nnaji himself confirmed that UNN never awarded him any degree certificate.
“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 said.
The ADC further expressed concern that the minister was allowed to “quietly resign” despite public evidence of wrongdoing, saying this undermines public trust and sends a dangerous message to young Nigerians that “dishonesty carries no consequence in public life.”
The opposition party went on to accuse the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being a “nest of certificate forgers,” alleging that the scandal involving Mr Nnaji is part of a broader pattern of questionable integrity within the ruling party.
“It is clear that this is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern that has defined the APC government since its inception,” the ADC added.
The party called on law enforcement agencies to conduct an independent investigation into the matter, insisting that resignation does not erase criminal liability.
“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,” Abdullahi said.