The All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to the recent court order directing the release of President Bola Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University (CSU) to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A federal court in Chicago had granted Atiku’s request for Tinubu’s educational records, demanding their release within two days.
Documents sought by Atiku’s counsel, Angela Liu, include Tinubu’s admission and acceptance records, dates of attendance, as well as any degrees, awards, and honors attained during his time at the university.
APC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, characterized Atiku’s endeavor as “an expedition in futility.” Meseko stated that the ruling party remains unperturbed by the court order, affirming that President Tinubu has consistently maintained transparency about his academic background.
“The President has always said over and again that he has nothing to hide. His records are there for all to see. Chicago University has also written severally to say that this man is from us. Nothing has changed. There is no cause for alarm. It is an expedition in futility,” Meseko emphasized.
Reacting to the development, the Presidency echoed APC’s sentiment, asserting that Tinubu’s academic records hold no value for Atiku.
A presidential aide, speaking anonymously, pointed out that Atiku cannot present new evidence in court beyond what he presented before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which ruled in Tinubu’s favor on September 6.
“After getting the President’s records, how will that help Atiku’s case? The university has not recanted its often-stated position that President Tinubu graduated in 1979 from the school,” the aide remarked. “Atiku and PDP are chasing shadows.
The President’s academic records have no probable value to Atiku’s case in court. At the Supreme Court, you can’t plead new evidence outside what you frontloaded at the court of first instance, which is the Appeal Court that has decided on the Presidential election petition.
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This latest development follows Atiku’s application to the U.S. court, alleging that Tinubu’s academic records were forged. Tinubu’s credentials indicate that he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, and Management from CSU in 1979.
However, questions have been raised regarding the authenticity of his certificate. The court order has ignited fresh discussions around the matter, emphasizing the significance of transparency and accountability in public office.
