A storm of controversy has erupted after a 1986 General Certificate of Education (GCE) result, allegedly belonging to Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming Anambra governorship election, surfaced online.
‘F9 In English, Fail In Maths’: Anambra APC Candidate Ukachukwu’s 1986 GCE Result Surfaces Online, Raises Questions Over Competence
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The result, shared by human rights activist Professor Chidi Odinkalu via X, reportedly shows that Ukachukwu—also known as “Ikukuoma”—scored failing grades (F9) in English, Mathematics, and Economics. His only credit was in Chemistry, with passes in Igbo Language, Bible Knowledge, Biology, and Commerce.
Unsurprisingly, the revelation has triggered a backlash on social media, where critics are raising serious concerns about the competence of a public office aspirant who appears to have underperformed in foundational subjects. The online uproar reflects broader worries about the thoroughness of candidate vetting processes in Nigerian politics.
So far, Ukachukwu has neither confirmed the legitimacy of the result nor denied it. This silence has left a vacuum that only deepens public suspicion. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not yet recorded any formal challenge to his candidacy based on these educational credentials, despite the existing Electoral Act provision for academic transparency.
This controversy echoes similar past debates involving high-profile figures, such as the examination of President Bola Tinubu’s academic records during the 2023 presidential election. The ongoing saga underscores a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics—where educational qualifications become flashpoints for governance credibility.
