A long-running controversy involving former Cross River Governor Donald Duke and President Bola Tinubu is back in the spotlight after an old video resurfaced online, reigniting debate over political campaign materials used during Nigeria’s 2023 elections.
In the widely shared clip, Duke speaks candidly and with visible frustration, claiming that a childhood photograph of him was used in campaign documentaries to represent Tinubu’s early life. His words were direct: “Bola Tinubu used my 12-year-old photograph. I don’t know if I can get justice on this.”
The black-and-white image at the center of the issue shows a young boy seated outdoors, dressed in a suit and wearing sunglasses, with his fingers joined in a distinctive pose. Duke has consistently insisted that the photo was taken when he was just 12 years old while attending Federal Government College in Sokoto State.
The controversy first made headlines in late 2022, when Duke accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential campaign team of including the image in promotional documentaries. One of the productions mentioned was titled “The Nation Builder,” which aimed to showcase Tinubu’s life story.
Duke did not hold back at the time, stating clearly: “The picture of the boy used as Bola Tinubu in all the documentaries is me. I am the boy in the picture, not Tinubu as they claimed.” He also questioned why the campaign could not find authentic childhood photos of Tinubu, suggesting that his image was used as a substitute.
In response, APC campaign representatives, including spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, dismissed claims that any formal apology had been issued. They described the situation as a minor mix-up rather than a deliberate act. Following public criticism, the image was reportedly removed from some campaign materials.
At the time, several media outlets and fact-checking efforts supported Duke’s claim. Side-by-side comparisons published in 2022 appeared to confirm that the boy in the photo matched Duke, not Tinubu.
Now, years later, the resurfacing of the video has sparked fresh conversations across social media. Nigerians are once again debating the importance of accuracy in political storytelling, especially when it comes to personal history and campaign imagery.
As of March 21, 2026, neither the presidency nor the APC has released a new statement addressing the renewed circulation of the clip. Despite this, the incident remains a memorable and often-discussed moment from the 2023 election season, highlighting how even small details can shape public perception in politics.
