In a significant development, the United States District Court in the Northern District of Illinois has ruled in favor of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ordering the release of President Bola Tinubu’s academic records. This ruling comes as a blow to Atiku’s appeal against Tinubu at the Supreme Court.
Atiku had previously obtained an order from a US magistrate, Jeffrey Gilbert, directing Chicago State University (CSU) to provide Tinubu’s academic records to his legal team within two days. The documents sought include Tinubu’s admission and attendance records, as well as degrees, awards, and honors obtained from CSU.
However, Tinubu’s lawyers argued that these records are irrelevant to the Nigerian courts and constitute an intrusive invasion of privacy. They successfully requested a review and delay of the magistrate’s order, which was granted by the US district judge.
In response to Tinubu’s objections, Judge Gilbert, in a fresh judgment, overruled them, stating that Atiku’s interest in obtaining the academic records outweighs any intrusion on Tinubu’s privacy. The judge adopted the magistrate’s ruling in full.
While the release of the academic records does not imply any judgment on the merits of Atiku’s claims or the Nigerian election, it does provide Atiku with access to the documents and testimony he sought from CSU.
The verdict has been seen as a blow to Tinubu’s legal defense, as it strengthens Atiku’s case before the Supreme Court. PDP members have described Tinubu’s appeal as unnecessary if he truly has nothing to hide.
It is important to note that Tinubu’s attorneys have downplayed the significance of the academic records, stating that they will be of no use in Atiku’s Supreme Court appeal in Nigeria. They argue that the Electoral Act does not allow for the introduction of new evidence on appeal.
As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on whether Tinubu attended Chicago State University and what his grades were. The school has already provided some information regarding his attendance and grades.
The release of Tinubu’s academic records sets the stage for further scrutiny and potential impact on the ongoing legal proceedings.
