The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until September 28 further proceedings in a suit seeking to prevent President Bola Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The Atiku Tinubu suit, filed by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, challenges the president’s eligibility on allegations surrounding an NYSC discharge certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, also has the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as the second plaintiff.
President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and INEC are listed as the first, second and third defendants respectively.
In an affidavit personally sworn by Atiku, the former vice-president alleged that Tinubu submitted a forged NYSC discharge certificate to INEC in connection with his qualification to contest the presidency.
Atiku specifically questioned a certificate bearing the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, arguing that the document did not belong to the president.
He further alleged that the certificate had been used by Tinubu since his 1999 Lagos State governorship bid.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether the alleged submission of the certificate violates constitutional provisions governing eligibility for the presidency.
They are also seeking an order disqualifying Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election over the alleged presentation of the document.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, lawyers led by Mr Omosanya Popoola announced their appearance for President Tinubu.
However, Atiku’s counsel, Mr Joseph Onu, informed the court that his client had not been able to personally serve Tinubu with the originating processes.
Onu requested either personal service or an order permitting substituted service, citing the sensitive nature of the case.
INEC’s counsel, Dr Alex Iziyon, SAN, opposed the insistence on personal service, arguing that the appearance of Tinubu’s counsel constituted sufficient undertaking.
INEC also urged the court to accelerate the hearing, stating that it was prepared to file its defence within 10 days.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, after hearing the arguments, held that the court could not dictate how the plaintiffs should conduct their case.
He consequently adjourned the matter to September 28 for mention.
The judge, however, issued a strong warning against discussing the Atiku Tinubu suit outside the courtroom.
Justice Ekwo said the case should be handled in court rather than through traditional or social media.
He warned that counsel would be held responsible if details of the proceedings were discussed on social media and threatened “drastic action” against any lawyer whose party violated the directive.
The September 28 proceedings are expected to provide another step in the legal battle over Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election.
