Judge Warns Lawyers Against Media Trial of Atiku’s Suit Challenging Tinubu’s 2027 Eligibility

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has warned lawyers handling a suit seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election against discussing the matter in the media or on social media.

Justice Ekwo issued the warning on Tuesday while adjourning proceedings in the suit filed by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The case centres on allegations that Tinubu submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The judge stressed that all arguments and submissions relating to the case must be made before the court and not through public platforms.

“This case is to be conducted in court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social,” Ekwo warned.

He further cautioned lawyers involved in the matter against commenting on the case on social media, warning that such conduct could attract sanctions.

“If this case is discussed on social media, I will hold counsel for the party responsible, and I will take very drastic action,” the judge said.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, lists Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC as defendants.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, Omosanya Popoola announced his appearance as counsel for Tinubu, while Joseph Onu, representing Atiku and the ADC, informed the court that the plaintiffs had yet to serve the President with the originating processes.

Onu explained that the plaintiffs were insisting on personal service because of the sensitive nature of the case. He, however, said they would accept substituted service if Tinubu formally agreed to receive the court documents through his lawyer.

“My lord, this is a very important case, and we do not want to leave any chance for a technicality. We do not want to fall into any trap,” Onu told the court.

He added that the plaintiffs would accept service through counsel if they received a written undertaking from the President.

However, counsel to INEC, Alex Iziyon, opposed the demand for personal service, arguing that the appearance of Tinubu’s lawyer in court was sufficient to establish that the President was represented in the proceedings.

Iziyon also urged the court to expedite the matter, noting that more than 17 days had elapsed since the suit was filed. He said INEC was ready to file its defence within 10 days.

Justice Ekwo, however, said the court could not dictate to the plaintiffs how to pursue their case.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 28, 2026, for mention.

What the Suit Alleges

Atiku and the ADC are challenging Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election, alleging that he submitted a forged NYSC discharge certificate to INEC.

The plaintiffs contend that the certificate submitted to the electoral commission bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, which they argue amounts to the presentation of false information to INEC.

They are relying on Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides for the disqualification of a presidential candidate who presents a forged certificate to the electoral commission.

The allegations remain subject to determination by the court.