Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a stern warning on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, cautioning legal representatives involved in the high-profile suit seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election to desist from conducting media or social media commentary regarding the ongoing case.
​Addressing the court during morning proceedings in Court 7 of the Federal High Court complex, Justice Ekwo emphasized that judicial matters must be resolved strictly within the courtroom, warning that the court would hold any offending counsel responsible and institute severe sanctions if public discussions continue.
​”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.”
Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, jointly filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1st Defendant), the All Progressives Congress (2nd Defendant), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (3rd Defendant).
The plaintiffs argue that President Tinubu is disqualified under Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, alleging discrepancies and forgery regarding an NYSC discharge certificate bearing the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle” submitted to INEC.
Lead counsel Joseph Onu Silas appeared for the plaintiffs, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Omosanya Popoola appeared for President Tinubu, alongside Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN.
The suit hit a procedural bottleneck over the service of court documents. Counsel for the plaintiffs, Joseph Onu Silas, informed the court that efforts to effect personal service of the originating summons on President Tinubu had failed, prompting him to seek an order for substituted service.
​Though Omosanya Popoola, SAN, offered to accept the court papers directly in open court on behalf of President Tinubu, Silas rejected the gesture, demanding a written undertaking to prevent future technical objections regarding proper service.
​Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter to September 28, 2026, for further mention to allow the plaintiffs’ legal team time to properly regularize the service of the court processes.
