US District Judge Delays Access to Tinubu's Academic Documents in Atiku's Challenge

 A recent development in the legal challenge between former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu involves a delay in accessing Tinubu's academic documents from Chicago State University (CSU). US District Judge Nancy Maldonado granted a stay order on Thursday, temporarily suspending the directive for CSU to provide Tinubu's academic records to Atiku's legal team.

The hearing took place late Thursday night following an emergency motion filed by the President's lawyers, requesting a postponement of the self-effectuating order. This order had initially directed CSU to comply with subpoenas issued by Atiku's legal team. Atiku is currently challenging Tinubu's victory in the 2023 presidential election and his affirmation by an election petition court in Nigeria.

The legal battle started with a decision by Magistrate Jeffrey Gilbert, who on Tuesday ordered Tinubu's alma mater, CSU, to furnish Atiku with all pertinent and non-privileged documents within two days. These documents include records related to Tinubu's admission, acceptance, dates of attendance, degrees, awards, and honors received during his time at the university.

As the deadline set by Magistrate Gilbert approached on Thursday, Tinubu's legal team approached Judge Maldonado, arguing that the earlier decision by Gilbert should be reviewed by a district judge.

The delay in accessing Tinubu's academic records is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the 2023 presidential election results in Nigeria. It underscores the importance of documentary evidence in such cases and highlights the complex nature of international legal proceedings involving high-profile political figures.