Federal High Court adjourns Atiku Abubakar's suit challenging President Tinubu's 2027 eligibility to September 2026
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the suit filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, which challenges President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election. The adjournment, until September 28, 2026, was due to the failure to personally serve President Tinubu with the originating summons. Atiku’s counsel, Joseph Silas, sought an order for substituted service after unsuccessful attempts to serve Tinubu. However, Omosanya Popoola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing Tinubu, offered to accept the court process on the President's behalf. This led to a disagreement between the lawyers, as Atiku’s counsel insisted on a written undertaking from Popoola confirming his mandate to accept the process. Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter to allow Atiku’s legal team to regularize the service. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, instituted the suit against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, and the Independent National Electoral Commission. He is asking the court to determine if Tinubu is qualified to contest the 2027 election under specific sections of the 1999 Constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026. A key part of the suit involves an allegation concerning an NYSC discharge certificate submitted to INEC in Tinubu’s name, which Atiku claims bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle” instead of “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” Atiku alleges this document was not obtained by Tinubu and questions if its
