A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 13 for the hearing of an application to amend a suit filed by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The suit challenges Tinubu's eligibility in the 2027 general election. Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after confirming that lawyers representing the respondents had been served with the motion.
The suit, marked FHC/ ABJ/ CS/1888/2026, was filed last month by Atiku and the ADC against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The plaintiffs are challenging Tinubu's eligibility, citing that he presented a forged certificate to INEC in 1999. They claim this is a constitutional breach and are asking the court to disqualify Tinubu and APC from the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku's lawyer, Joseph Silas, informed the court that all defendants had been served with court documents within the stipulated period. The plaintiffs had received and responded to the defendants' processes. Silas also brought to the court's attention the plaintiffs' application to amend their originating summons, of which the defendants had been notified.
In a 25-paragraph affidavit supporting the suit, Atiku stated that Section 137 (1) (j) of the Constitution disqualifies a person from the presidency if they have presented a forged certificate to INEC. Atiku claimed that Tinubu submitted a forged certificate in 1999 when he first contested for the Lagos State governorship.
Atiku highlighted discrepancies in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate submitted by Tinubu. He claimed the certificate bore the name "Tinubu Bola Adekunle," which differs from Tinubu's full name, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Atiku argued that this raises serious issues of forgery against Tinubu.
The court had previously granted Atiku's request for substituted service of court documents on Tinubu through the APC. Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until September 28 for further mention. The hearing on October 13 will focus on Atiku's application to amend the originating summons.
The plaintiffs argue that INEC cannot disqualify Tinubu and APC without a court order. The court's decision on Atiku's application will determine the next steps in the suit challenging Tinubu's eligibility in the 2027 general election. The case has significant implications for Tinubu's political future.
Key points
- The court will hear Atiku's application to amend the suit against Tinubu on October 13.
- Atiku claims Tinubu presented a forged certificate to INEC in 1999.
- The suit challenges Tinubu's eligibility in the 2027 general election due to alleged constitutional breaches.
