Politics
APC confront Atiku as US court grants request to release Tinubu’s academic record
The All Progressives Congress on Wednesday ridiculed the efforts of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to obtain the academic records of President Bola Tinubu from the Chicago State University, United States, describing it as ‘’an expedition in futility.’’
The ruling party said it had nothing to fear as the President had always boasted that he had nothing to hide.
This came as Judge Jeffrey Gilbert of the US District Court for Northern District of Illinois, ordered Tinubu’s alma mater to provide all relevant and non-privileged documents to the applicant, Atiku, within two days.
Documents sought by Atiku, through his counsel, Angela Liu, include the record of admission and acceptance at the university, dates of attendance including degrees, awards and honours attained by Tinubu at the university, among others.
In spite of the development, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Duro Meseko, said the ruling party was not bothered by the court order, stressing that the President had nothing to hide.
He said, “The President has always said over and again that he has nothing to hide. His records are there for all to see. Chicago University has also written severally to say that this man is from us. Nothing has changed. There is no cause for alarm. It is an expedition in futility.”
In its reaction, the Presidency submitted that Tinubu’s academic record would be of no value to the PDP presidential candidate, noting that Atiku and his party were simply chasing shadows.
A presidential aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, premised this on the grounds that Atiku who emerged first-runner up in the presidential election cannot present new evidence in court other than those he presented before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal which ruled in Tinubu’s favour on September 6.
The official said, “After getting the President’s records, how will that help Atiku’s case? The university has not recanted its often-stated position that President Tinubu graduated in 1979 from the school.
“Atiku and PDP are chasing shadows. The President’s academic records have no probable value to Atiku’s case in court. At Supreme Court, you can’t plead new evidence outside what you frontloaded at the court of first instance which is the Appeal Court that has decided on the Presidential election petition.’’
The Coordinator of Tinubu’s legal team, Babatunde Ogala, SAN, could not be reached for comment on the implication of the US court order for the presidential election petition appeals filed by Atiku and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, at the Supreme Court.
The two candidates had challenged Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the February 25 presidential election following his victory which was affirmed by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in its September 6 judgment.
Atiku had approached the US court for an order compelling the CSU to release Tinubu’s academic records.
He alleged that Tinubu’s academic records were forged.
Tinubu’s credentials indicated that he graduated from CSU in 1979 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting and Management, but there have been allegations bordering on discrepancies with his certificate.
Last week, a public affairs analyst, Durojaiye Ogunsanya, identified the former Lagos State governor as his classmate at the CSU.
Speaking on a TVC programme, Ogunsanya said he and the President graduated from the Department of Accounting and Business Administration in 1979.
“We met in a school in Chicago State; we were in the same department, College of Accounting, Business and Administration, with majors in Accounting, and we were in the same class together and graduated. He did attend the university and graduated in 1979 as I did. So I’m here to testify that he did attend the university, and he was a good student,” he clarified.
In January 2022, CSU confirmed through Beverly Poindexter, who is in charge of official transcript requests, enrolment, and degree verification at the Office of the Registrar, that Tinubu attended the institution.
The CSU said, “Mr Tinubu did attend our university, however, if further information is needed, go to studentclearinghouse.org website to make a formal request.”
In an earlier letter dated August 20, 1999, and signed by then Registrar, Lois Davis, the university stated that Tinubu was its student between 1977 and 1979.
But justifying his decision to obtain the President’s records, Atiku said unless a clarification is made, it is difficult, if not impossible, for the public to understand the academic journey of the former Lagos State governor.
Taking to his verified X handle @atiku on Sunday, August 28, Atiku wrote, “I woke up this morning wondering how we got to this cul de sac. In 1999, @officialABAT (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) claimed he attended St John’s Primary School, Aroloya, Lagos, before proceeding to Children Home School in Ibadan.
“According to him, his next port of call in his educational journey was Government College Ibadan, and Richard Daley College and Chicago State University in the United States. Curiously, in 2023, Tinubu settled with attending only Chicago State University.
“I am scratching my head. How is that possible? Methinks that all well-meaning Nigerians should be as confused as I am with Tinubu’s declaration that he had no primary and secondary education, yet he has a university degree. You may wish to ask Tinubu how he attained this feat so that we can learn from his ingenuity.”
He accompanied the post with a laughing emoji. In support of Atiku’s application at the US court, netizens last month stormed the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the CSU, @ChicagoState, forcing the college to lock the page which was hitherto public.
The ex-vice president informed the court that the subpoena was to test the truth and veracity of Tinubu’s assertions, noting that he is currently the President of Nigeria and is facing court proceedings concerning his election and the authenticity of documents relating to his attendance at the CSU.
But the university said it did not understand why Tinubu’s academic records “could possibly have any bearing on a 2023 election challenge in a foreign country.”
However, it said once an order is granted by the court, Tinubu’s academic record would be made public.
The university asked the court to direct “only limited and targeted discovery” of the information sought by the PDP candidate.
In the suit filed before the US district court, Atiku prayed that the court should subpoena Tinubu’s files domiciled with the CSU, arguing that the files would settle the controversy surrounding the President’s academic background.
However, Tinubu, through his counsel, filed a counter-application opposing the request for the release of his academic records.
But the US court ruled that it had the jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by the former vice president.
In response to an order by the court that he should make a formal filing on why his records should not be released, Tinubu claimed a clerical error was responsible for the discrepancies on the certificate issued to him by the university.
According to filings by Tinubu’s lawyers, Oluwole Afolabi and Christopher Carmichael, an unidentified clerk of the university made the error about the date the school stated on his recently-issued certificate, thereby creating “the appearance of differences.”
“Unfortunately, in responding to the illegal and invalid subpoena, CSU made several errors. CSU issued a new diploma for Bola A. Tinubu, but incorrectly wrote the date of graduation as June 27, 1979.
“The correct date was June 22, 1979, but that scrivener’s error – along with a change in the CSU logo, the font on the diploma, and leadership at CSU who signed the diploma created the appearance of differences between an earlier issued diploma and the one issued in response to the 2022 subpoena,’’ the president’s lawyers said.
In its ruling delivered on Tuesday, the court ordered the CSU to provide all relevant and non-privileged documents to Atiku while acknowledging Tinubu’s lawyers’ argument against lifting their client’s privacy privilege.
It clarified that only “non-privileged documents” should be produced.
The judge stated, “This matter is before the court on 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 (“Application”) [ECF No. 1]. For the reasons discussed below, the application is granted.”
A member of the Atiku Abubakar legal team, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, declined comment on the expected impact of the order on Atiku’s appeal at the Supreme Court.
‘’I can’t answer the question as the case is subjudice,” he said on Wednesday.
But the PDP and Atiku commended the US court for granting the application, saying it would help their case before the apex court.
The PDP National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, described the order as commendable.
“The United States District Court ruling directing the Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records is highly commendable and it will help our candidate, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and PDP’s appeal before the apex court,’’ the PDP National Executive Committee member noted.
Atiku, who spoke through his media aide, Paul Ibe, pointed out that the ruling would unveil Tinubu’s alleged secrets.
Ibe explained that Atiku’s quest was to deepen democracy and emphasised that Nigerians deserved to know the truth about the President.
He stated, “Yes, the court has ruled that Chicago University should disclose Tinubu’s record. That is a welcome development. Nigeria has a lesson to lead from it; the lesson is about justice versus judgment.
“It is not only Atiku Abubakar that is interested in unraveling all the secrecy surrounding Tinubu’s certificate. It is not only the former vice president that is desirous about it, all Nigerians are. Everybody wants Tinubu’s veil of secrecy lifted so that we conclusively know that this man is who he claimed he is.
“This is important, otherwise he won’t have legitimacy because there is secrecy, doubts, and suspicions about who he is, the school he went to, his records, and all. This is about his background and every other part of his life.”
Politics
BREAKING: Fubara’s Resumption Date Emerges As Rivers Assembly Sends Fresh Message To Governor
In light of recent political tensions in Rivers State, which have generated significant concern among residents, the lifting of a six-month emergency rule in the region has not resulted in the resumption of activities by the suspended governor.
Complicating matters further is the unexplained absence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, prompting speculation regarding his whereabouts. However, contrary to public perception, the date for the governor’s return has now been disclosed. Click to continue reading.
The recent political developments have generated considerable anticipation among the public, particularly in Port Harcourt, where thousands of dedicated supporters congregated outside the Government House by 6 a.m. on Thursday. These individuals gathered in hopes of witnessing the governor’s return, celebrating his reinstatement following the conclusion of the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu. However, as the hours progressed without any sign of the governor, the crowd’s initial enthusiasm began to diminish.
By midday, the energy of the assembly had notably waned. Despite the governor’s reinstatement, which was officially declared by the President the previous Wednesday, he had not yet made an appearance. Gradually, many supporters departed, their morale dampened by this continued absence.
Among the steadfast supporters were several sacked local government chairpersons, including Chijoke Ihunwo from Obio/Akpor and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati from Port Harcourt City. Notably absent were allies of former Governor Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, along with the newly elected local government chairpersons perceived to be aligned with him.
The governor’s absence follows a significant announcement by President Tinubu, which lifted the emergency rule in Rivers State that had led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and the members of the House of Assembly. During this turbulent period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) had been appointed as the sole administrator.
A confidential source within the governor’s camp has indicated that he is expected to resume duties on Monday and is making arrangements to address the state and communicate his vision for improved governance to his supporters.
Simultaneously, the legislative arm of the state resumed its operations on Thursday at the conference hall of the legislative quarters, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule presiding over the proceedings. The lawmakers wasted no time in initiating an inquiry into the state’s financial management during Ibas’s administration and urged Governor Fubara to submit a list of nominees for commissioner positions for legislative scrutiny. The political climate in Rivers State remains tense, with uncertainty continuing to pervade the atmosphere.
As Nigeria gears up for the pivotal 2027 elections, the political atmosphere is charged with speculation and intrigue surrounding the possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
His previous tenure, marked by both challenges and achievements, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
With the political landscape continually evolving, discussions abound regarding his potential influence and the role he might play in shaping the future of Nigerian governance.
In the heart of Abuja, discussions have begun to circulate that Jonathan could once again influence the upcoming race for power.
Since his removal from office in 2015, Jonathan has transformed into a ubiquitous figure in Nigerian politics, haunting every electoral cycle like a specter.
His image frequently resurfaces on billboards across the nation, while his name continues to be prominently featured on campaign buses, suggesting that political operatives still see value in his brand.
Despite his attempts to lead a life that appears detached from the partisan fray—engaging in various philanthropic efforts and public speaking—it is clear that he remains an influential presence.
Observers are now questioning whether his historical significance and experience could pose a challenge to the current president, Bola Tinubu, and his administration.
As political dynamics shift and candidates begin to position themselves for the upcoming elections, Jonathan’s influence may prove to be more profound than many anticipate, prompting debates about the potential impact of his candidacy on Nigeria’s democratic processes.
President Bola Tinubu has announced his intention to visit Aisha Buhari, the widow of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, in Kaduna State.
We recall that former President Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, in the United Kingdom.
The presidency communicated this plan in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesperson, on Thursday, September 18. …click link to continue reading
Fresh political tensions have surfaced in Rivers State, stirring anxiety among residents, even after the lifting of a six-month emergency rule that had been imposed on the region.
The situation has been compounded by the mysterious absence of the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leaving many to wonder about his whereabouts. Click to continue reading.
This uncertainty ignited a wave of anticipation early Thursday morning, as thousands of devoted supporters gathered outside the gates of the Government House in Port Harcourt as early as 6 a.m., eagerly awaiting the governor’s return. They hoped to witness his reappearance and celebrate his reinstatement, only to be met with disappointment as the hours passed without any sign of him.
As midday approached, the energy of the crowd began to wane. The governor, despite being reinstated following the official conclusion of the emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu, had not made any appearance. One by one, many supporters reluctantly left the scene, their enthusiasm dampened by his continued absence.
Among the loyal crowd were several sacked local government chairmen who remained steadfast in their support for Fubara, including the likes of Chijoke Ihunwo from Obio/Akpor and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati from Port Harcourt City. In stark contrast, the event was noticeably devoid of allies of the former Governor Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the newly elected local government chairmen who are perceived to be aligned with him.
The governor’s absence followed a momentous declaration from President Bola Tinubu the previous Wednesday, which formally lifted the emergency rule in Rivers State. This rule had not only suspended Fubara but also his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, alongside members of the House of Assembly, with Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) appointed as the sole administrator during that turbulent period.
Meanwhile, the legislative arm of the state resumed its activities on Thursday at the conference hall of the legislative quarters, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule taking charge of the proceedings.
The lawmakers wasted no time, launching an inquiry into the state’s finances during Ibas’s administration, while also urging Governor Fubara to submit a list of nominees for commissioners for their scrutiny. The atmosphere in Rivers State remains charged, with political uncertainty lingering in the air.
Politics
REVEALED: Atiku, Peter Obi, 3 Other Nigerians Named In Top 15 Richest African Politicians (Full List)
The common stereotype is that African politics is a fast track to riches. Corruption scandals across the continent reinforce that perception. But there’s another side to the story: a select group of African leaders who amassed vast fortunes well before stepping into government.
They weren’t climbing into office to get rich—they were already among the wealthiest individuals in their nations, with fortunes ranging from tens of millions to billions of dollars.
These men and women made their money in industries as varied as mining, telecoms, banking, brewing, cotton, oil services, and logistics. Forbes and Forbes Afrique have tracked some of their net worths, offering rare glimpses into their fortunes before politics.
1) Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa)
Before becoming South Africa’s president in 2018, Ramaphosa built Shanduka Group into one of the country’s leading Black-owned investment companies with stakes in mining, fast food, and banking. Forbes once pegged his fortune at about $450 million, long before he returned to politics as deputy president and then president.
Public Office: President (2018– ); Deputy President (2014–2018).
2) Patrice Talon (Benin)
Nicknamed “King of Cotton,” Talon made his money in cotton ginning and port logistics. By 2015, Forbes estimated his wealth at about $400 million, a year before he won Benin’s presidency.
Public Office: President (2016– ).
3) Aziz Akhannouch (Morocco)
Akhannouch built Akwa Group, a major petroleum and chemicals conglomerate. Forbes continues to list him as a billionaire, with wealth hovering around $1.5–1.6 billion. His fortune was firmly established before he became Morocco’s prime minister in 2021.
Public Office: Prime Minister (2021– ); former Minister of Agriculture.
4) Moulay Hafid Elalamy (Morocco)
Elalamy founded Saham Group and turned it into a major insurance player across Africa and the Middle East. In 2018, he sold Saham Finances to Sanlam for more than $1 billion, long before stepping away from Morocco’s industry and trade ministry.
Public Office: Minister of Industry & Trade (2013–2021).
5) Atiku Abubakar (Nigeria)
Atiku co-founded INTELS Nigeria, a dominant oil-and-gas logistics company in 1982, and established the American University of Nigeria. In 2021, he sold his stake in INTELS for over $100 million. He is the founder of Priam Group which is an umbrella conglomerate for a number of businesses spanning several sectors of the economy including manufacturing, media, banking, logistics and food processing.
Public Office: Vice President (1999–2007).
6) Peter Obi (Nigeria)
Obi built Next International, an import and distribution business, and later chaired Fidelity Bank. His financial security was well in place before serving as Anambra’s governor and becoming a presidential candidate.
Public Office: Governor of Anambra State (2006–2014).
7) Seyi Makinde (Nigeria)
Makinde founded Makon Group, an oil-services firm, and famously disclosed assets worth ₦48.15 billion when he became governor, underscoring that he didn’t need political office for wealth.
Public Office: Governor of Oyo State (2019– ).
8) Tabitha Karanja (Kenya)
Karanja co-founded Keroche Breweries in the 1990s, growing it into the country’s largest independent brewery and forcing multinational competitors to reckon with a homegrown challenger. In 2022, voters in Nakuru County sent her to Parliament’s upper house, making her one of the few prominent entrepreneurs to cross into high-level politics.
Public Office: Senator, Nakuru County (2022– ).
9) Sam Matekane (Lesotho)
Sam Matekane was Lesotho’s most successful businessman before his foray into politics. He is the founder of Matekane Group of Companies which has tentacles in construction, mining and aviation. Matekane entered politics and, in 2022, rose to become the country’s prime minister.
Public Office: Prime Minister (2022– ).
10) Rostam Aziz (Tanzania)
Aziz accumulated wealth through telecom investments and industrial services. Once listed by Forbes as a billionaire, he was already a major business figure when he entered parliament.
Public Office: Member of Parliament (1994–2011).
11) Peter Mbah (Nigeria)
Peter Mbah, the founder of Pinnacle Oil & Gas, established significant downstream petroleum facilities in Lekki years before turning to politics.
Public Office: Governor of Enugu State (2023– ).
12) Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya)
The Kenyatta family empire spans banking, dairy, and real estate. Uhuru himself appeared on Forbes’ Africa rich list with a $500 million net worth before becoming Kenya’s president.
Public Office: President (2013–2022).
13) Tokyo Sexwale (South Africa)
A former anti-apartheid activist and Robben Island prisoner, Sexwale founded Mvelaphanda Group and became a key mining financier before serving as housing minister.
Public Office: Minister of Human Settlements (2009–2013).
14) Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia)
Hichilema was a successful rancher and corporate dealmaker before politics. He led Grant Thornton Zambia and amassed one of the country’s largest cattle herds before becoming president in 2021.
Public Office: President (2021– ).
15) Ronald Karauri (Kenya)
Karauri, a former Kenya Airways pilot, co-founded SportPesa, a major sports betting firm. His wealth was secured before he entered parliament as Kasarani’s MP in 2022.
Public Office: Member of Parliament (2022– ).
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is looking more likely to run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Recent events in the political scene are fueling this possibility.
On Thursday, Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate from the Labour Party, had an important and private meeting with Jonathan in Abuja. Click link to continue reading.
The Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party have ruled out dropping names and party structures for the 2027 general election, but would
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