The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday September 1, fixed September 28 for further proceedings on the suit filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar seeking to disqualify President Bola Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election over alleged certificate forgery.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was filed by Atiku alongside his political party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as co-plaintiff. President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are listed as first to third defendants, respectively.
In a 25-paragraph affidavit supporting the suit, Atiku alleged that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted by President Tinubu to INEC in Form CF0001 contains discrepancies, bearing the name "Tinubu Bola Adekunle," which the plaintiffs contend constitutes false information under electoral laws.
The plaintiffs are seeking a judicial declaration that the submission violates Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside an order disqualifying President Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential contest.
During Tuesday's proceedings, legal representation for President Tinubu, led by Omosanya Popoola, announced an appearance despite the plaintiffs' counsel, Joseph Onu, noting difficulties in effecting personal service of court documents on the President.
While Popoola assured the court that his team had authority to receive service on behalf of President Tinubu, and INEC's counsel, Dr. Alex Iziyon (SAN), urged the court to proceed to expedite hearing, the plaintiffs requested written undertakings or court orders for substituted service to prevent procedural challenges.
Presiding Judge Inyang Ekwo held that the court could not dictate service choices to the plaintiffs and subsequently adjourned the matter for mention.
Justice Ekwo also issued a explicit gag order prohibiting all parties and legal teams from debating or discussing details of the ongoing litigation in news or social media outlets.
"This case is to be conducted in the court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social," Justice Ekwo warned. "If this case is discussed on social media, I will hold counsel for the party responsible, and I will take very drastic action."
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