Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, remains adamant about certificate forgery allegations against Bola Tinubu, with the APC responding strongly.
Abuja, October 5, 2023 – Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has reaffirmed his allegations of certificate forgery against Bola Tinubu, former Lagos State governor. In a press conference held on Thursday, Atiku denied betraying Tinubu, citing past political events and emphasizing the need to uphold Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
Atiku recalled the 2007 presidential election when he claimed Tinubu abandoned the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and supported Umaru Yar’Adua of the PDP. He also stated that he saved Tinubu from former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s attempts to take over Lagos State in the same election. Atiku asserted, “So where is the ground for him to say I betrayed him?”
In response to Atiku’s allegations, the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticized his actions, stating that his press conference showed “gross contempt of the Supreme Court.” The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, dismissed Atiku’s claims as lacking purpose and being based on “lies, mindless distortions, and deliberate falsehood.”
Atiku, undeterred by the criticism, vowed to continue his pursuit of evidence to prove Tinubu’s alleged forgery of a Chicago State University certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the 2023 elections. He called upon other presidential candidates, such as Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, to support his quest for justice.
During the press conference, Atiku emphasized the importance of upholding Nigeria’s electoral rules and constitution, stating, “We must uphold Nigeria’s election ground rule (constitution).”
Notable figures attending the press conference included former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; ex-Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke; former National Chairmen of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; and Senator Iyorchia Ayu, among others.
In his efforts to gather evidence, Atiku sought the academic records of President Bola Tinubu from Chicago State University. Despite legal objections, the university was directed to release the records, further fueling the controversy.
Atiku’s lawyer, Kalu Kalu, alleged that the academic records from Chicago State University confirmed Tinubu’s forgery of the certificate presented to INEC. He argued that the Supreme Court could permit the introduction of fresh evidence, which would support their case.
Reportedly, Atiku has filed additional evidence obtained from Chicago State University to bolster his appeal at the Supreme Court against Tinubu.
The APC responded to Atiku’s actions by accusing him of desperation and attempting to influence the Supreme Court’s judgment. They argued that Atiku should accept defeat and respect the will of the Nigerian electorate.
Bayo Onanuga, a former Director of Publicity and Media for Tinubu’s presidential campaign, criticized Atiku’s actions as an affront to the Supreme Court and questioned the rationale behind the press conference.
Additionally, the Labour Party (LP) issued a statement, urging Atiku to leave their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, out of his feud with President Tinubu. The LP emphasized that Obi was focused on reclaiming his “stolen mandate” and promoting justice in Nigeria.
As the legal battle continues, the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s judgment, which will ultimately determine the outcome of this contentious issue.