Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly and clearly address lingering questions about his identity and academic history.
In a statement issued by his media office on Monday, Atiku said Tinubu’s recent claim that a Belarusian businessman, Mr. Alex Zingman, was his classmate at Chicago State University (CSU) has only deepened the controversy. “Rather than evoke confidence, the claim has triggered more questions than answers,” Atiku noted.
Atiku pointed out that Zingman, reportedly born in 1966, would have been just 13 years old in 1979 — the year Tinubu claims to have graduated from CSU. He also questioned Tinubu’s prior educational claims, including a certificate allegedly from Government College, Lagos dated 1970, despite the school being founded in 1972.
“Nigerians deserve to know… Who truly walked the halls of Chicago State University with you?” Atiku asked. “The presidency is not a sanctuary for secrets — it is a platform for integrity,” he added.