The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 13 for the hearing of an application by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to amend their suit against President Bola Tinubu's eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election. This development comes as the court continues to consider the plaintiffs' allegations regarding Tinubu's National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate. Atiku and the ADC are challenging Tinubu's qualification for the presidency based on the certificate.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was filed against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The plaintiffs' counsel, Joseph Silas, informed the court that the relevant processes for the amendment had been served on the defendants. The court had previously granted the plaintiffs leave to serve Tinubu through the APC. This decision was made after the plaintiffs' lawyers argued that they were unable to serve the President personally.
Tinubu's counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, noted that the plaintiffs had initially declined an offer from the APC's counsel, Popoola Owosanya, to receive the processes on behalf of the President. The plaintiffs then approached the court for substituted service. The court proceedings also touched on the issue of service of court processes on the President. This matter had been a point of contention at earlier hearings.
The court had on September 16 granted the plaintiffs' application for substituted service, allowing them to serve Tinubu through the APC. At the latest proceedings, Silas confirmed that the defendants had been served with the processes relating to the proposed amendment. The plaintiffs had also received responses from the other parties. This exchange indicates that the case is progressing, with both sides preparing their arguments.
Tinubu's counsel, Olanipekun, informed the court that the President's counter-affidavit to the application had already been served on the plaintiffs on September 24. The court confirmed this from the proof of service before it. With the counter-affidavit submitted, the court is now set to hear the motion to amend the originating summons on October 13. This hearing will likely address the substance of the plaintiffs' allegations.
INEC has also raised preliminary objections to the suit, questioning the plaintiffs' locus standi and alleging abuse of court process. These objections will likely be addressed during the October 13 hearing. Justice Inyang Ekwo urged counsel to focus on the business before the court, emphasizing the need for a timely resolution of the matter.
The court's decision to adjourn proceedings to October 13 sets the stage for a critical hearing. The plaintiffs' application to amend their suit will be considered, and the court will likely rule on the objections raised by INEC. The outcome will have significant implications for Tinubu's eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election. The case remains a crucial development in Nigeria's electoral landscape.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja will hear Atiku Abubakar's application to amend his suit against President Bola Tinubu's eligibility on October 13.
