Former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has expressed his determination to continue the legal battle concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged forgery of his Chicago State University certificate. Atiku stated that he would only halt his pursuit once the Supreme Court delivers its verdict, reaffirming his belief in the judiciary’s final decision.
Addressing the ongoing trial, Atiku emphasized, “I will only drop the fight when the court rules. If the court rules that I am right, fine. If the court rules that he is right, that’s the end of the fight because at the moment, we’re at the Supreme Court, and there’s no higher court than the Supreme Court.”
Atiku also paid tribute to the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, whose efforts initiated the scrutiny of public figures’ credentials. He commended Fawehinmi’s legacy and expressed gratitude to lawyers in Nigeria and the United States for their support.
The controversy surrounding Tinubu’s alleged forgery has raised concerns about Nigeria’s international reputation. Atiku stressed the need for transparency and accountability in public affairs, stating that the country’s standing in the world affects all its citizens.
Atiku called on other political leaders, including presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to join him in advocating for “propriety, accountability, and justice” in government affairs. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity in governance, stating that the government should reflect Nigeria’s diversity.
In response to Atiku’s statements, Senator Smart Adeyemi dismissed the allegations against Tinubu, citing Chicago State University’s confirmation of Tinubu’s graduation. Adeyemi suggested that pursuing criminal charges would be futile due to the sitting president’s immunity.
The legal battle continues, with Nigeria awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling, which is expected to provide a decisive resolution to this high-profile dispute.