The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has addressed the controversies surrounding his age, school and record in the private sector.
Fielding questions at Chatham House in London on Monday, the former governor of Lagos State said he was born on March 29, 1952, adding that those who disputed claims that he was from the Tinubu family could request for a DNA test.
On his academic and private sector records, Tinubu announced that he just received his original certificate from Chicago State University just as he stated that Mobile Oil, one of his former employers, has attested to his outstanding record.
He said:
“At the time of birth, I was dated March 29, 1952, in the family record. Then, I don’t think I had decided to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not even that I would go into politics.
“I’ve had a very good record in life. My record is consistent in the university they questioned. They’ve now confessed that they wasted their money and their time. The record is there, and the transcript is there showing March 1952.
“I’m not claiming another father, I’m Tinubu and Tinubu proper. If they want a DNA, they could as well request for one.
“One of them was even accused of not being a Nigerian citizen, I didn’t touch that area.
“Equally, it remains the same. Chicago State University, where I graduated, has attested to that. Now, I can announce that I have received my original replacement degree certificate from them.
“Deloitte trained me as an accountant. Mobile Oil has attested to my outstanding record. I got to the pinnacle of my career in the private sector. Who among them can brag about that?
“Yes, you want to wrestle with the pig, you’ve got to live with the dirt. That’s what I’m doing. I got into politics knowing fully well that it is muddy water. Smog will come, and you will have to live with the dirt and make sure you are upright to finish the job.
Asked to state why he has avoided engaging in debates unlike his other colleagues in the presidential race, Tinubu responded, “I see myself as a marketable individual. You want to use me to make money and I’m saying no.”