Abuja, Nigeria – In a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed concerns about the controversy surrounding the Chicago State University (CSU) certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by President Bola Tinubu. Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, emphasized that Nigeria’s reputation was on the line and called on relevant stakeholders to uphold democratic principles by uncovering the truth regarding the President’s certificate submission.
“This quest is not for or about Atiku Abubakar; it’s a quest for the enthronement of truth, morality, justice, and accountability in our public affairs,” Atiku stated, urging other prominent politicians such as Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to join him in seeking justice for the nation.
Atiku also made it clear that he would pursue his petition before the Supreme Court until a resolution was reached. “I will only drop the case when the court rules on it. If the court says I am right, fine. If it says he (President Tinubu) is right, fine,” he affirmed.
The controversy arose from Atiku’s request for the release of Tinubu’s academic records, which was granted by Magistrate Jeffrey Gilbert on September 19. The President subsequently filed a review of the order, arguing that the documents were irrelevant to Atiku’s appeal. However, federal judge Nancy Maldonado overruled Tinubu’s objections and ordered CSU to release the President’s academic records.
CSU complied with the court order, affirming that Tinubu had attended the university. However, the Presidency contended that the released academic records vindicated the President and confirmed him as a CSU alumnus.
In light of these developments, Atiku is expected to file his application at the Supreme Court today, presenting the documents obtained from CSU as part of his election appeal. The case has garnered significant attention and is seen as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political landscape, as it involves allegations of certificate discrepancies that could impact the legitimacy of the President’s election victory.