Recent developments within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Garki Local Government, Jigawa State, have raised serious concerns regarding the authenticity of the Senior Secondary Certificate Education (SSCE) presented by Hon. Abdu Ila Muku, the current Lawmaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly representing Garki Constituency under the Platform of All Progressive Congress (APC). Abdu Ila Muku is also aspiring for a second term in the House of Assembly.
A petition dated 14th May 2026 alleges that Hon. Muku forged his secondary school certificate. In his written response to the National Chairman of the APC, Hon. Muku denied the allegation, stating that he attended Government Secondary School Danbatta and obtained his West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate in 1988. He attached a copy of the certificate to support his claim.
However, concerns have2026 emerged following a review of the certificate. The document presented bears the name “Senior Secondary School Grammar, Danbatta Kano”, which differs from the school name mentioned in his letter, Government Secondary School Danbatta. Historical records indicate that no institution by the name Senior Secondary School Grammar, Danbatta has ever existed in Danbatta, raising questions about the authenticity of the certificate.
Further scrutiny reveals inconsistencies in the educational timeline submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 elections. The EC9 form lists the SSCE graduation year as 1982, while the Primary Leaving Certificate shows 1976. Logically, completing primary school in 1976 would align with finishing secondary school around 1982, not 1988, the year stated in the certificate presented to both the party and INEC.
These discrepancies warrant urgent attention.
The petition called on the leadership of the APC in Garki Local Government and Jigawa State to carefully examine the certificate presented by Hon. Abdu Ila Muku as evidence in the 2023 elections and the upcoming 2027 elections. The differences in school names and graduation years must be investigated thoroughly to avoid future embarrassment.
The three aspirants had earlier pledged to support whoever emerged as the party’s candidate. However, failure to ensure that the chosen candidate meets all qualification requirements could jeopardize the party’s standing. If the opposition challenges the election outcome in court and proves forgery, the APC risks losing the seat, even if it wins at the polls.
Therefore, it is imperative that the APC leadership conducts a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the authenticity of Hon. Muku’s certificate. Upholding integrity and due diligence now will protect the party from potential legal setbacks and preserve public trust in its internal screening processes.
Written by Bashir Bello, an Abuja based Investigative Journalist and Political Analyst.
