Tinubu’s certificate controversy avoidable if INEC had functional server – Uzodimma

There would have been no controversy on the certificates of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had a functional server.

This is the position of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.

• 2023: Neither Atiku nor Tinubu can fix Nigeria – Ango Abdullahi
• FACT CHECK: Did Tinubu bear Yekini Amoda Ogunlere?

The APC Presidential Candidate had left out details of his primary and secondary schools in the CF 01 INEC form he filled for the 2023 elections.

This had sparked a huge controversy, with Nigerians, especially on social media, casting doubts on Tinubu’s integrity.

But speaking with State House Correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Tuesday, Uzodimma expressed optimism that the issues around Tinubu’s certificate would be resolved.

“All the things so mentioned are entire party challenges that will be resolved. But for my presidential candidate, the issue of certificate shouldn’t even arise. In 1999, he contested elections and became the governor of Lagos. In 2003, he contested election second term and became governor of Lagos.

“He ran and won as a senator in the country. Were record keeping efficient, and INEC server functional, he (Tinubu) wouldn’t need to do fresh submission (of documents). However, if whatever he is supposed to submit is not handy, it is not late yet. I’m sure before the time he will submit whatever is required of him.”

Asked if he was still convinced that the APC remained the party to beat in Nigeria despite the difficulty to find running mate, he said: “What do you mean by difficulty? Who told you? The deadline is not yet here until the period of submission is over and we are not able to put a running mate, that is the only way you can ask this kind of question.

“However, I know because of the strength of character in our party, being the ruling party and how important the party to us including you here, I appreciate your concern but be rest assured that we will fill a complete ticket for the presidential contest.”

On the concern over some senators at National Assembly leaving the ruling party, he said: “Did some leave the party? or are leaving the party? Until they leave… but for those few who left, of course, there are some others who left other parties and joined the APC. So one cancels the other.”