The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy has accused the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of bias over the transfer of a suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials from Kano to Abuja.

The organisation, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Head of Legal Unit, Kalu Kalu Agu, said it strongly rejected the decision to move the case from the Kano Judicial Division to the Abuja Division.

CFRPA said it filed the suit, numbered FHC/KN/CS/312/2026, at the Federal High Court in Kano on June 26, 2026, against Tinubu and two other defendants.

The organisation said the suit challenges credentials allegedly presented by the president and raises constitutional questions under Sections 131 and 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

According to the group, the transfer followed an application by lawyers representing Tinubu.

CFRPA alleged that the circumstances and speed of the transfer had created a perception of preferential treatment for the president and his legal team.

“The application for transfer was initiated and written by lawyers representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the organisation said.

It argued that the judiciary must not only be impartial but must also be seen to be impartial, adding that the transfer had raised concerns about public confidence in the independence of the Federal High Court.

The group further argued that moving the proceedings to Abuja would create additional financial and logistical difficulties for its members and witnesses based in Kano.

“Transferring the case to Abuja at the instance of Bola Ahmed Tinubu imposes unnecessary hardship, cost, and inconvenience on the plaintiff and is designed to frustrate the case,” it alleged.

CFRPA also described the transfer as an apparent attempt at “forum shopping”, alleging that Abuja could provide a more convenient venue for the president.

The organisation therefore called on the Chief Judge to reverse the transfer order and allow the case to continue in Kano, where it said the suit was originally filed.

CFRPA also directly questioned Tinubu over the transfer.

“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?” the group asked.

It added that a president who claims to represent all Nigerians should be prepared to answer constitutional questions in any part of the country.

The organisation said its legal action was part of its commitment to the rule of law, constitutionalism and accountability in public office.

It vowed to use lawful means to challenge what it described as any attempt to undermine or pervert the course of justice.

The allegations contained in the statement remain claims by CFRPA and have not been established by a court.

The statement did not indicate whether the organisation had filed a formal application seeking the reversal of the transfer order.

CFRPA urged the Federal High Court to ensure that the proceedings remain transparent and that all parties receive equal treatment as the legal dispute over the president’s credentials proceeds.