US District Court takes decision on Tinubu’s Chicago University certificate controversy

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, has established its authority to preside over the case filed by Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election. Atiku’s suit seeks to compel Chicago State University (CSU) to provide the academic records of President Bola Tinubu, as reported by Political Economist.

Court documents reveal that the US District Court has determined that it possesses jurisdiction over the matter under US law. This authorization allows any “interested person” to request that a US District Court order the collection of documents and testimony for a foreign proceeding from individuals who “reside or are found” within its jurisdiction.

Having confirmed that Atiku satisfies all statutory requirements as an “interested person” and considering CSU’s status as a public university in Illinois, the court declared its readiness to consider Atiku’s plea.

Atiku’s move to demand President Tinubu’s academic records stems from a lawsuit filed in November 2022. Abuja-based lawyer Mr. Mike Enahoro-Ebah sued Tinubu over alleged certificate forgery, age falsification, and misrepresentation on oath. The lawsuit alleged that Tinubu submitted forged documents, including a CSU diploma, during his qualification for the 2023 presidential election.

Atiku’s US court filing on August 2, 2023, highlighted Mr. Enahoro-Ebah’s subpoena issued to CSU. The subpoena prompted CSU’s Registrar to send a letter to Mr. Enahoro-Ebah’s Chicago lawyer, confirming the authenticity of the records provided.

In response, Atiku petitioned the Court to order CSU to validate the authenticity of the documents awarded to Tinubu by the university. The court set a timeline for the submission of arguments by both parties.

The court’s accelerated timeline is indicative of its intention to address the matter before September 21, the anticipated date for Nigeria’s election petitions tribunal to deliver a judgement on the suit challenging Tinubu’s election victory.

Atiku’s case seeks transparency and verification of the academic records presented by President Tinubu, a step seen as integral to maintaining the integrity of the election process.

President Tinubu’s legal representation has filed a motion to prevent the disclosure of his educational records, adding further layers of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings.