… Alleges bias
The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has strongly rejected and condemned the order of transfer made by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court transferring its case challenging President Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials from Kano to Abuja.
The CFRPA had on 26/6/2026 filed suit No. FHC/KN/CS/312/2026 (THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES FOR REFORM AND PUBLIC ADVOCACY v. BOLA AHMED TINUBU & 2 ORS) in Kano challenging the academic credentials presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and raised serious constitutional questions under Sections 131 and 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
But the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court following an application by the lawyers of President Tinubu transferred the case from the Kano Judicial Division to the Abuja Division.
In a statement released Wednesday in Abuja by the group, signed by its head of legal unit, Kalu Kalu Agu, said the judiciary must not only be impartial, it must be seen to be impartial.
“Manifest bias and likelihood of bias: The application for transfer was initiated and written by lawyers representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The speed and manner of granting the transfer, gives the impression of preferential treatment and creates a reasonable apprehension of bias on the part of the office of the Chief Judge in favor of Mr. Tinubu and his legal team.
“Denial of access to justice in Kano: Kano is where many of our witnesses and members reside. Transferring the case to Abuja at the instance of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu imposes unnecessary hardship, cost, and inconvenience on the Plaintiff and is designed to frustrate the case.
“Forum shopping: The move from Kano to Abuja appears to be a deliberate attempt to shop for a more convenient forum for Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is the sitting President and to avoid public scrutiny in Kano.”
The statement alleged that the transfer, “done at the behest of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the President’s lawyers, erodes public confidence in the independence of the Federal High Court.
“CFRPA therefore demands that the Honourable, the Chief Judge immediately reverse the transfer order and allow the case to proceed in Kano where it was properly filed.
“Our question to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu:
If Mr. President has nothing to hide regarding the allegations of forgery of academic credentials, why is he afraid of going to the North to stand trial and defend himself in Kano?
“A leader who claims to represent all Nigerians should not be afraid to answer constitutional questions in any part of Nigeria.”
The group said it remained committed to the rule of law, constitutionalism, and accountability in public office.
“We will use all lawful means to resist any attempt to pervert the course of justice.”
