Court Orders Chicago State University to Release Bola Tinubu’s Studentship Record To Atiku

In a recent development, a court in Chicago, United States, has issued an order to Chicago State University (CSU) to release all records related to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s studentship at the institution. This directive comes in response to an application filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was a presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigerian election and ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Atiku Abubakar is seeking these documents to establish whether Bola Tinubu was eligible to contest the presidential election when he did. The court ruled in favor of Atiku Abubakar, affirming that he had provided sufficient justification for obtaining these records.

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Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert of the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division, who presided over the case, also ordered that designated university officials should be available for deposition within two days after the release of the records. Additionally, the court mentioned that the deposition process could occur during the weekend if necessary.

The ruling stated, “For all of the reasons discussed above, Atiku Abubakar’s application pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1782 for an order directing discovery from Chicago State University for use in a foreign proceeding [ECF No. 1] is granted. Respondent CSU shall produce all relevant and non-privileged documents in response to requests for production within two days of the entry of this memorandum opinion and order. The deposition of respondent’s corporate designee shall proceed within two days of the production of documents.”

This legal development underscores the importance of transparency and eligibility in electoral processes and highlights the role of international legal mechanisms in addressing such matters.

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