President Tinubu Seeks to Prevent Release of University Records in Legal Battle.
In a new twist to the legal battle following Nigeria’s February 2023 presidential election, President Bola Tinubu has filed a motion seeking to prevent a federal court in the United States from releasing his university academic records to Atiku Abubakar, his principal opponent during the election. The move comes as part of a broader legal challenge to the legitimacy of President Tinubu’s victory.
Documents obtained by the Peoples Gazette reveal that on August 2, Atiku Abubakar approached the States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, requesting a subpoena for Chicago State University to release President Tinubu’s academic records.
Read Also Uproar in Senate as Screening of Festus Keyamo SAN for Ministerial Appointment Sparks Controversy
The move has been prompted by longstanding controversies surrounding President Tinubu’s educational background. Journalist David Hundeyin‘s findings suggested that a Bola Tinubu who attended Chicago State University in the 1970s was identified as female.
The registrar’s office at Chicago State University confirmed the graduation of a Bola Tinubu on June 22, 1979, but did not provide details about the student’s gender or whether it is the same individual now holding Nigeria’s presidency.
Pay Attention To WAEC Result Checker Portal: How to check WAEC results 2023 using SMS, Phone, Scratch card
Atiku Abubakar, in his legal challenge against President Tinubu’s victory, stated that he was seeking the documents as part of discovery to bolster his case. However, President Tinubu intervened swiftly, asserting his interest in the matter and alleging that Chicago State University might not fully protect his interests as the owner of the records being sought.
President Tinubu’s attorneys argued that the requested records should not be released due to privacy laws established in 1974 to safeguard American students’ privacy. They contended that Mr. Abubakar’s pursuit of the records indirectly targeted Mr. Tinubu and disregarded established privacy protections for student records.
Also Read How to Print NYSC Green Card and Check Your NYSC Call-Up Letter
The legal dispute has garnered attention both in Nigeria and abroad. A federal judge has been assigned to the case, and both parties anticipate a swift resolution, particularly in light of Mr. Abubakar’s assertion that Nigeria’s election petitions tribunal will deliver a verdict around September 21, 2023.
This legal wrangling has seen shifts in jurisdiction as well. Mr. Abubakar initially filed a lawsuit before a county court in Chicago, Illinois, before withdrawing it in favor of a more comprehensive case at the federal court. This decision was aimed at avoiding the perception of abusing the court process.
Pay Attention To NNPP Suspends National Secretary for Alleged Anti-Party Activities
In response to President Tinubu’s motion to join the suit, Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed no opposition, indicating that he had previously been informed of Mr. Tinubu’s intention to join the proceedings.
As the legal proceedings continue, both sides await the court’s decision, which could have significant implications for the outcome of Nigeria’s recent presidential election and its subsequent legitimacy.
