The legal battle seeking to disqualify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from seeking re-election in 2027 suffered an early procedural stall on Tuesday as the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the suit until September 28, 2026.
The matter, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was brought by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and his political party.
In suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, the plaintiffs contend that President Tinubu submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in violation of Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution.
During Tuesday morning’s sitting, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Joseph Onu, disclosed to the court that his team had encountered logistical difficulties in serving President Tinubu directly with the originating summons.
A brief standoff occurred inside the courtroom when legal counsel for the 1st Defendant, Omosanya Popoola, offered to accept service on behalf of President Tinubu. Onu rebuffed the gesture, insisting that the plaintiffs intend to serve the President directly or seek formal leave for substituted service.
In a 25-paragraph sworn affidavit, Atiku alleges that the NYSC credential on file with INEC bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle” rather than the President’s official name, “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The suit asks the court to Issue a Disqualification Order, Barring President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) from participating in the upcoming 2027 presidential poll.
To Declare a Constitutional Breach; Holding that presenting false documents invalidates a candidate’s eligibility for the presidency.
Representing the 3rd Defendant, INEC’s legal team noted that over 17 days had passed since the case was initially filed, urging an expedited process and signaling readiness to file a formal defense within 10 days.
Justice Ekwo declined to rush the plaintiffs, ruling that litigants reserve the right to manage their processes within legal frameworks, and fixed September 28, 2026, for further mention.
The judge concluded the session with a warning to all parties against engaging in public debate or “trial by media” while the matter remains subjudice.
