The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned further proceedings in a suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election to September 28.
The case, filed by former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, centres on allegations that Tinubu submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, lists Atiku and the ADC as plaintiffs, while Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress and INEC are the first, second and third defendants respectively.
In an affidavit personally sworn to by Atiku, the former vice president alleged that Tinubu provided false information in the Form CF0001 submitted to INEC.
Atiku specifically questioned an NYSC discharge certificate bearing the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, arguing that the document did not belong to the President because “Adekunle” was not part of his name.
He further alleged that the certificate had been presented by Tinubu since his 1999 bid for the Lagos State governorship.
Atiku is asking the court to determine whether the alleged submission of the certificate violates provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026 relating to qualifications for presidential candidates.
Among the reliefs sought is an order disqualifying Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election over the alleged presentation of a forged certificate.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, however, the immediate issue before the court centred on service of the originating processes.
A team of lawyers led by Omosanya Popoola announced appearance for Tinubu. Atiku’s counsel, Joseph Onu, told the court that the plaintiffs had yet to serve the President personally.
Onu argued that, given the sensitivity of the case, his client preferred personal service or an order permitting substituted service.
He said the plaintiffs did not want the matter to encounter procedural complications later.
INEC’s counsel, Alex Iziyon, SAN, opposed the insistence on personal service, arguing that the appearance of Tinubu’s counsel provided sufficient assurance that the President was represented in the proceedings.
Iziyon also urged the court to expedite the case, noting that more than 17 days had elapsed since it was instituted.
He said INEC was prepared to file its defence within 10 days.
After hearing the submissions, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that the court could not dictate how the plaintiffs should conduct their case.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to September 28 for further proceedings.
The judge also cautioned all parties against discussing the substance of the case outside the courtroom, particularly on social media.
“This case is to be conducted in the court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social.
“If this case is discussed on social media, I will hold counsel for the party responsible, and I will take very drastic action,” Justice Ekwo warned.
The matter will now return to court on September 28, when further proceedings are expected to take place.
