Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed his deep concern on Thursday regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University. Atiku stated that the reputation of Nigeria is at stake due to this issue and called on all stakeholders to ensure the truth about the certificate submitted by President Tinubu to the Independent National Electoral Commission is established.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, emphasized that this quest for truth is not about him personally but about upholding the values of truth, morality, justice, and accountability in public affairs. He urged other presidential candidates, including Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, to join him in the fight for justice for the country.
Atiku also made it clear that he would continue to pursue his petition before the Supreme Court until a verdict is reached, stating, “I will only drop the case when the court rules on it.”
The controversy arose after Atiku’s request for the release of President Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University was granted by Magistrate Jeffrey Gilbert on September 19. Despite objections from Tinubu’s lawyers, the university complied with the court order and released the records, affirming that Tinubu had attended the institution.
In response, the Presidency argued that the released academic records vindicated President Tinubu and confirmed his alumni status at the university. They also clarified that the documents did not suggest that the certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission was forged.
Atiku, having obtained these academic records, was expected to file an application at the Supreme Court to further his election appeal.
