TD Abuja, Nigeria – A fresh controversy has emerged online over a widely circulated photograph purportedly showing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days in the early 1980s.
The debate intensified after claims surfaced that the individual in the photograph is not Tinubu, but rather Mr. Olamide Salami Kayode, 52, who allegedly declared himself the true person in the image.
According to viral posts on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok, Mr. Kayode has threatened to file a ₦500 billion lawsuit against President Tinubu if his likeness continues to be used for political propaganda.
Kayode is quoted as saying: “Leave my face out of your politics. I’ve kept quiet long enough.”
However, as of August 4, 2026, there is no credible evidence to support this claim.
No reputable Nigerian media outlet—including Punch, Vanguard, Premium Times, or Channels Television—has reported on Mr. Kayode’s alleged statement or lawsuit.
Furthermore, no court filings have been made public.
What We Know
- The Photo: The NYSC image has long been associated with President Tinubu, who has himself referenced his service during the early 1980s.
- The Claim: Mr. Kayode’s alleged statement has circulated widely online but remains unverified.
- Red Flags: The reported age of 52 would mean Kayode was born in 1974, making him too young to have served in NYSC in the early 1980s.
Additionally, lawsuits of ₦500 billion are extremely rare and would likely attract immediate national coverage if genuine.
Viral Graphic Revives Debate Over Tinubu’s Identity and Educational Records
A political graphic circulating on social media has reignited public debate over President Tinubu’s identity and educational history by making a series of allegations concerning photographs previously associated with him.
The graphic, titled “The Photo That Exposed a Deception!”, claims that in 2022 Tinubu’s camp used photographs belonging to other individuals and presented them as his own in a published autobiography.
It displays two images: one of a man identified as Mr. Olamide Salami Kayode, 52, whom it describes as the “real owner” of a widely circulated NYSC photograph.
Another was of Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River State, which it alleges was also used without authorization.
Confirming the fraudulent use of his photo, Donald Duke said during a speech at a recorded event:
“Interestingly, there’s a new documentary that has been produced. It’s titled, “The Nation Builder”, and it’s on bulletin, his years in Chicago, his exploits, what a wonderful student he was, fine.
“My disagreement is that my photograph, as a 12-year-old, is used as his photograph, as a young person.
“In other words, they couldn’t find a photograph of him as a young person, and they now take my photograph.
“I took a 12-year-old.”
Watch video:
Controversy Beyond Photographs
The graphic concludes that the controversy extends beyond photographs, framing it as an issue of “truth, honesty and leadership” and urging Nigerians to demand greater transparency from public office holders.
However, some allegations contained in the graphic remain unverified.
As of now, there is no credible evidence confirming that Mr. Olamide Salami Kayode is the individual in the NYSC photograph.
However, there is credible evidence confirming that President Tinubu or his campaign improperly used Donald Duke’s photograph in Tinubu’s autobiography.
More controversy on Tinubu’s Education
The controversy has also drawn renewed attention to an INEC educational qualification form circulating online.
In the section titled “Schools Attended / Educational Qualifications with Date,” the form lists only a B.Sc. obtained in 1979 under higher education.
Meanwhile, the entries for Primary and Secondary education contain no school names and display the year as “0000.”
School |
Qualification |
Year |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | — | 0000 |
| Secondary | — | 0000 |
| Higher | B.Sc. | 1979 |
The document has generated fresh political debate.
Critics argue that the absence of details relating to primary and secondary education deserves clarification.
Meanwhile, supporters contend that the form alone does not establish any wrongdoing and should be viewed alongside the complete nomination documents and applicable electoral laws.
Although the educational form is an authentic public document that has circulated widely, its contents should not, by themselves, be interpreted as proof of misconduct or misrepresentation.
Any legal conclusions would depend on official records, explanations from the relevant parties, and, where applicable, judicial findings.
Taken together, the viral graphic and the educational qualification form have revived longstanding discussions surrounding President Tinubu’s educational background, identity, and public records.
However, these discussions combine verified public documents with unverified social media allegations.
Until supported by credible evidence, official documentation, or judicial determinations, claims made in viral graphics and social media posts should be treated as unverified.
Public Reaction
Commentators have linked the controversy to broader debates about Tinubu’s identity and past records.
Omeudo South Uche, reacting to the viral claim, noted:
“Could Nigeria be witnessing yet another identity controversy involving the occupant of the nation’s highest office?
“Or is this simply another viral claim that demands careful scrutiny before conclusions are drawn?”
He added that whether true or false, Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability.
He stressed that public confidence in leadership is strengthened by openness, not unanswered questions.
Bottom Line
At present, the claim appears to be unverified and possibly misinformation.
Until reputable outlets confirm Mr. Kayode’s identity or a court case is filed, the story should be treated with caution.
This report balances the viral claim with fact-checking context, highlighting the controversy while clarifying its unverified status.
