The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned lawyers involved in a suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election against discussing the case in the traditional media or on social media.
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Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the warning on Tuesday while presiding over the suit filed by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
The plaintiffs are seeking to disqualify Tinubu from participating in the 2027 presidential election over allegations that he submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was instituted against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and INEC.
Justice Ekwo cautioned counsel for all parties that the dispute must be litigated strictly before the court rather than through public commentary.
“This case is to be conducted in court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social,” the judge warned.
He added: “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 proceedings, Omosanya Popoola appeared for Tinubu, while Joseph Onu represented Atiku and the ADC.
Onu informed the court that the plaintiffs had not yet been able to serve Tinubu with the originating court processes.
According to him, the plaintiffs wanted the documents to be personally served on the President or, alternatively, sought the court’s permission to effect substituted service because of what they considered the importance of the matter.
However, counsel to INEC, Alex Iziyon, opposed the request for personal service.
Iziyon argued that the appearance of Tinubu’s lawyer in court was sufficient indication that the President was already aware of the proceedings.
The INEC lawyer also urged the court to accelerate the hearing of the suit, noting that more than 17 days had elapsed since it was filed.
He told the court that the electoral commission was prepared to file its defence within 10 days.
Justice Ekwo, however, said the court could not dictate to the plaintiffs how they should conduct their case.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 28, 2026, for mention.
The suit centres on the plaintiffs’ allegation that Tinubu presented a forged NYSC certificate to INEC and, on that basis, should be disqualified from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The allegation has not been determined by the court, and the proceedings remain at a preliminary stage, with issues surrounding service of the court processes yet to be resolved.
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