A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit filed by the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, seeking to disqualify President Bola Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The case, which centres on an alleged discrepancy in the name appearing on Tinubu’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, was stalled after Atiku’s lawyer told the court that he had been unable to personally serve the President with the originating summons.
At the mention of the case, counsel to Atiku, Joseph Onu, informed the court that attempts to serve Tinubu personally had not been successful.
He told the court that he wanted to serve the President directly or through substituted service.
The development also resulted in a disagreement between the parties after Tinubu’s counsel attempted to receive the originating summons on behalf of the President.
However, Onu reportedly rejected the attempt, insisting that the defendant must be served personally or through an order for substituted service.
Atiku Challenges Tinubu’s Eligibility
Atiku filed the suit on Friday, challenging Tinubu’s eligibility to seek another term as President in the 2027 election.
The former Vice-President is asking the court to determine whether an alleged difference between the name on Tinubu’s NYSC certificate and the President’s official name affects his constitutional eligibility to contest the presidential election.
According to the plaintiffs, the NYSC certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, while the President is officially known as “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
They are asking the court to determine whether the alleged discrepancy constitutes a constitutional issue capable of affecting Tinubu’s qualification to participate in the 2027 presidential election.
Court Adjourns Case
After hearing from the parties, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter until September 28 for further mention.
The adjournment means the substantive issues raised by Atiku have not yet been determined by the court.
Tinubu and Atiku previously contested the 2023 presidential election, which was won by Tinubu.
Both politicians are again seeking Nigeria’s highest political office ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tinubu is contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Atiku is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Source: Court proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
