Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the educational credentials submitted by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to a report obtained by The News Chronicle on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the petition specifically raises concerns about a 2018 National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal result included in Matawalle’s nomination documents.
Shinkafi questioned the authenticity of the certificate and sought clarification regarding Matawalle’s academic history and qualifications presented to electoral authorities.
The petition noted that among the documents submitted by Matawalle in support of his governorship candidature for the 2023 election was a copy of a NECO SSCE Internal result dated June 2018.
According to the petitioner, the NECO SSCE Internal examination is primarily intended for students in secondary schools, raising questions about how a former member of the House of Representatives participated in the examination.
The petition also referenced a 1985 vocational training certificate obtained in Bunza, Sokoto State, alongside a 2018 correspondence from the Federal Ministry of Education reportedly stating that the qualification is not equivalent to a Senior School Certificate.
Shinkafi argued that the matter is significant because the Constitution requires candidates seeking election as governor or member of the House of Representatives to possess at least a secondary school certificate or its equivalent.
The petition further called for verification of Matawalle’s claimed attendance at Yaba College of Technology, alleging that the available documents do not clearly indicate the courses he studied or the duration of his academic programme.
Copies of relevant documents, including INEC forms and certificates, were reportedly attached to the petition to support the request for investigation.
Shinkafi urged the police to conduct a thorough and transparent probe and prosecute anyone found culpable of wrongdoing. He emphasized that public office holders must be held accountable to maintain public confidence in government institutions.
Describing the petition as being in the national interest, Shinkafi called for urgent action to ensure that all public officials comply with constitutional requirements and uphold the integrity of public office.
