At a press conference held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar expressed concern over the reputation of the country. The conference was organized to address recent revelations about President Bola Tinubu’s academic records, which were released by the Chicago State University (CSU) earlier this week.
“The reputation of our country is at stake,” Abubakar said in the press conference. “And that affects every Nigerian, here or wherever he or she is globally.”
He added, “The constitution prescribes the requirement for those who seek a position in elective offices and it should not be disrespected by anyone who seeks such offices.”
Atiku believes that elections form the basis of democracy and that the process is more crucial than the results. He further stated that the recent election outcome has jeopardized Nigeria’s reputation globally.
On Monday, Chicago State University released records as required by Magistrate Jeffrey Gilbert’s ruling, despite Tinubu’s objections, which were overruled by federal judge Nancy Maldonado.
The CSU documents affirmed that Tinubu attended the university from August 1977 to June 1979 and was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Honors on June 22, 1979. However, there are discrepancies in the documents released.
Atiku is expected to use the documents to further his election appeal at the Supreme Court. He is challenging Tinubu’s victory in the February 25, 2023 presidential election on the grounds of electoral fraud.