Lawyer kicks FHC Chief Judge transfers suit challenging Tinubu’s academic credentials
A lawyer representing the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has expressed concerns about the transfer of a lawsuit questioning the academic credentials of President Bola Tinubu. The lawsuit, identified as No. FHC/KN/CS/312/2026, was filed on June 26, 2026, after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently disclosed the qualifications of 19 presidential candidates, including Tinubu, who is campaigning for re-election with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Notably, Tinubu did not provide his academic credentials in the published documentation.
In a formal statement, Kalu Kalu Agu, the CFRPA’s head of legal affairs, indicated that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Kano ordered the transfer of the case to Abuja, alleging potential bias. Agu criticized the decision, asserting that the transfer raises significant constitutional issues pertaining to Sections 131 and 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Agu called for the reversal of the transfer, pointing out that the case’s shift from Kano to Abuja could disadvantage witnesses and members of CFRPA who reside in Kano. He stated that the transfer could create unnecessary complications, costs, and hardships for the plaintiffs, which he described as an attempt to frustrate their case.
Further, Agu referred to the situation as “forum shopping,” insinuating that the transfer was a tactical move by Tinubu and his legal team to seek a more favorable judicial setting and evade public scrutiny in Kano. He emphasized the importance of perceived judicial impartiality, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the transfer could undermine public confidence in the Federal High Court’s independence.
In his statement, Agu challenged President Tinubu directly, questioning why, if he has nothing to conceal regarding the allegations, he would not address the issues in Kano, a state that represents a significant section of the Nigerian populace. Agu demanded that the Chief Judge immediately reverse the transfer order and allow the case to proceed in its original jurisdiction.
