Fact-Check: Claim that Tinubu Co-authored a 2012 Book with Jesse Jackson is Misleading
Claim: A Facebook user, chicagobull89, alleged that Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented a book in 2013 at universities in Washington, DC, and Chicago, which he co-authored with Jesse Jackson. Verdict:...
Claim: A Facebook user, chicagobull89, alleged that Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented a book in 2013 at universities in Washington, DC, and Chicago, which he co-authored with Jesse Jackson.
Verdict: Misleading
Full Story:
Election seasons often come with a surge of political propaganda, as candidates and their supporters attempt to outshine opponents. In many cases, supporters amplify or fabricate achievements and endorsements to boost their preferred candidates’ image.
This pattern is not new. The use of prominent personalities to endorse individuals or products dates back centuries. According to the University of Birmingham, Josiah Wedgwood pioneered the use of royal endorsements in the 1760s to market his pottery, a strategy that later became widespread.
In Nigeria’s political space, similar tactics are common. Recently, supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu circulated a claim linking him to Jesse Jackson as co-authors of a book allegedly presented in 2013.
Jackson, who died at 84, was a renowned American civil rights activist and political figure known for his advocacy for social justice and economic equality. In a February 2026 tribute, Tinubu recalled observing Jackson’s influence during his student years at Chicago State University, describing him as highly impactful in American and global politics.
The claim resurfaced in late April 2026, shortly after Tinubu obtained his nomination form for a second-term bid. A video circulated online showing Jackson at an event, accompanied by a caption suggesting Tinubu co-authored and presented a book with him in 2013. The post also mocked opposition supporters, challenging them to present a similar academic record for Peter Obi.
The post gained traction, sparking debate among political supporters. While some defended Tinubu’s record, others questioned the authenticity of the claim and the video.
See the screenshot of the post below
As of the time the post was being investigated, it had gained traction on social media, with rival supporters defending their political favourite.
A Peter Obi supporter, Iykechiedo, said, “To compare Tinubu to Peter Obi is an unforgivable insult to Peter Obi. They are not in the same class.”
A Tinubu supporter countered the statement, saying, “You must be joking! You can call him a junkie and a crook, but what you can’t take away from him is his organisational and system management acumen. He has successfully built a legacy in Lagos…
Another user doubted the truth of the video, saying, “Everything about you guys is lies and deceit. The video shows nothing relating to the caption. Where does Tinubu get the head to co-author a book?
Is it true that Bola Tinubu co-authored a book with Jesse Jackson? NDRFactcheck investigated the matter.
Verification:
NDRFactCheck traced the video and identified the speaker as Howard Jeter, not Tinubu. Supporting evidence came from a throwback image shared by Sunday Dare, showing attendees at the event, including Wole Soyinka, Tinubu, Jackson, Brian Brown, and Jeter.
Further findings revealed that the book in question, Financialism: Water from an Empty Well, was co-authored by Tinubu and Brian Browne, not Jesse Jackson.
Reports by The Nation indicate that Jackson contributed only a foreword to the book, alongside Soyinka, while Jeter served as a reviewer at the Lagos event. Additionally, the Chicago event at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters took place in 2012, not 2013 as claimed.
Conclusion:
The claim that Bola Ahmed Tinubu co-authored a book with Jesse Jackson is misleading. The book was co-written with Brian Browne, while Jackson only contributed a foreword. The video used to support the claim was also misrepresented, as it featured Howard Jeter reviewing the book, not Tinubu presenting it.
No Comment! Be the first one.