Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until September 28, 2026, a suit seeking to disqualify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election, while issuing a stern warning to lawyers involved in the case against discussing the matter in the media or on social media. Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the warning on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, while adjourning proceedings in the suit filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, challenges Tinubu's eligibility to contest the 2027 election over allegations that he submitted a forged National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The defendants in the suit are President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and INEC.
Justice Ekwo was explicit in his directive, stating that the case must be conducted in court and not through public discussions. "This case is to be conducted in court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social," Ekwo warned. He cautioned that any attempt by counsel to discuss the case on social media would 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."
At Tuesday's hearing, Omosanya Popoola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, appeared for President Tinubu. However, Joseph Onu, counsel to Atiku and the ADC, told the court that the plaintiffs had not yet been able to serve the President with the court documents. Onu said his clients were insisting on personal service on Tinubu because of the sensitive nature of the case. "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 said.
He added that if the President's lawyer could provide a written undertaking to accept service on behalf of his client, the plaintiffs would accept that arrangement.
Alex Iziyon, counsel to INEC, opposed the demand for personal service, arguing that the appearance of Tinubu's lawyer in court was sufficient to establish that the President was aware of the case. Iziyon also urged the court to expedite the hearing, noting that more than 17 days had passed since the case was filed. He stated that INEC was prepared to submit its defence within 10 days.
Justice Ekwo, however, declined to intervene in how the plaintiffs should handle their case, leaving the service method unresolved. The judge then adjourned the matter until September 28 for mention.
Atiku and the ADC are challenging Tinubu's eligibility, alleging that the President submitted a forged NYSC discharge certificate to INEC. The plaintiffs alleged that the document submitted bears the name "Tinubu Bola Adekunle" and contend that this amounted to the presentation of false information. They are relying on Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides for disqualification where a candidate presents a forged certificate to the electoral commission. They are asking the court to declare that Tinubu presented a forged certificate and disqualify him and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election.
The case has generated significant public interest given its implications for the 2027 election race. Justice Ekwo's warning against discussing the case on social media comes amid growing concerns about the use of social media to influence public perception of legal proceedings. The judge's directive underscores the importance of allowing the court to determine the matter based on evidence and legal arguments, rather than through trial by public opinion.
As the case continues, all eyes will be on the September 28 hearing, when the court is expected to address the service issue and potentially set a date for the substantive hearing. For now, lawyers and parties involved have been put on notice: take the case to court, not to social media.
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