US Court Orders Release of Tinubu’s Academic Records to Atiku
In a recent development, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has issued an order for the release of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic records to former vice president, Atiku Abubakar. This comes as Atiku, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the presidential election, challenges the victory of Tinubu from the All Progressives Congress (APC), as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
One of the key aspects of Atiku’s petitions involves questioning the academic records of Tinubu. Atiku argues that Tinubu did not graduate from Chicago State University as claimed in his academic records.
In a judgment issued by the US Court, Judge Nancy Maldonado highlights that Chicago State University (CSU) did not object to Judge Jeffery Gilbert’s decision for Tinubu’s academic records to be made public. The court further explains that while there may be an intrusion on Tinubu’s privacy interests, Atiku’s interest in the requested discovery outweighs it.
The court has overruled Tinubu’s objections and adopted the ruling in its entirety. As a result, CSU has been directed to produce all relevant and non-privileged documents within an expedited schedule. The Rule 30(b)(6) deposition of CSU’s corporate designee is to be completed by October 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. CDT.
Given the pending deadline before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, represented as October 5, 2023, the court emphasizes that it will not extend or modify these deadlines.
This development could have significant implications for both Tinubu and Atiku. If Tinubu’s academic records are found to be in question, it could potentially cast doubt on his eligibility for the presidency. Conversely, if Atiku’s claims are refuted, it could weaken his position in challenging the election results.
As this legal battle ensues, it remains to be seen how it will impact the political landscape in Nigeria. The release of Tinubu’s academic records may shed light on the credibility of his claimed qualifications, ultimately influencing public perception.
With the Supreme Court deadline looming, all eyes will be on the proceedings in the US Court and the subsequent path this case takes. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for both Tinubu and Atiku, as well as for the political parties they represent.
It is important to note that while this development holds significant implications, the final verdict rests in the hands of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Only time will tell how this legal battle unfolds and its ultimate impact on the political scene in Nigeria.
