The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until September 28, 2026, further proceedings in a suit filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The case, filed by Atiku and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), names President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Atiku’s lawyer, Joseph Onu Silas, told the court that the plaintiffs had been unable to personally serve Tinubu with the originating summons as required by law. He consequently sought the court’s permission to serve the documents through an alternative method.
However, counsel representing Tinubu and the APC, Omosanya Popoola, SAN, informed the court that he had been authorised to accept the documents on behalf of his client.
The offer was rejected by Atiku’s legal team, which maintained that it wanted to ensure proper service and avoid possible technical objections later in the proceedings.
The disagreement over service of the court documents led to the adjournment. Justice Inyang Ekwo subsequently fixed September 28 for the matter to continue.
Atiku and the ADC are asking the court to determine whether Tinubu is qualified to participate in the 2027 presidential election. Their case is partly based on allegations concerning documents submitted to INEC, including claims relating to a certificate and information contained in Tinubu’s electoral filings.
The plaintiffs are relying on provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including Section 137(1)(j), as well as relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
They are seeking an order disqualifying Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election if the court finds that the grounds raised in the suit have been established.
