President Bola Tinubu has taken legal action to prevent a U.S. federal court from releasing his university academic records to his political rival, Atiku Abubakar, who contested against him in Nigeria’s February 2023 presidential election. The move comes in response to Mr. Abubakar’s request to the States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to issue a subpoena for Chicago State University’s records, citing ongoing controversies regarding President Tinubu’s background. The university records suggest that a Bola Tinubu who attended Chicago State University in the 1970s was female.
Mr. Tinubu’s legal team swiftly intervened, asserting that the university might not adequately safeguard his interests as the subject of the records in question. He argued that his personal interests could be affected if he is not allowed to join the suit, noting that Chicago State University’s stance does not fully represent his concerns.
Moreover, President Tinubu’s legal representatives invoked a 1974 privacy law for American students, stating that the records should not be released under this law. They contended that Mr. Abubakar’s lawsuit indirectly seeks relief against Tinubu by requesting records that are protected by privacy regulations.
Both parties are anticipating an expedited hearing, especially since Mr. Abubakar expects a verdict from the Nigerian election petitions tribunal around September 21, 2023. This legal battle between the political rivals adds further intrigue to Nigeria’s political landscape, raising questions about the transparency and accountability of the country’s leadership.
