The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that President Bola Tinubu be served within seven days with a lawsuit seeking to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election. Justice Inyang Ekwo granted permission for substituted service through the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a request presented by legal representatives in a case initiated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The legal action, registered under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, lists President Tinubu, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission as defendants. The core of the complaint alleges that the President submitted a falsified National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate to the electoral commission. The plaintiffs claim the document bears the name of another individual and was previously used during the 1999 Lagos State governorship election, constituting a violation of constitutional requirements for holding public office.
Atiku and the ADC are asking the court to determine whether constitutional provisions and electoral laws permit disqualifying candidates who present forged credentials. They are seeking a formal court declaration and an order to bar the President and his party from participating in the upcoming 2027 presidential race. A full hearing has been scheduled by the court.
Meanwhile, legal representatives for the defendants have raised multiple objections. The electoral commission has asked the court to dismiss the case entirely. Additionally, two prominent senior legal practitioners have independently filed documents on behalf of President Tinubu. They argue that the lawsuit was filed outside the permitted legal timeframe and question the legal standing of the opposition figures to challenge the documentation.
The defense counsel also addressed issues regarding service delays, stating that formal delivery of the court documents had not yet been completed and formally requesting copies to ensure proper representation and a fair hearing. In response to procedural developments, the plaintiffs have also sought court permission to amend specific references to electoral forms cited in their initial filings.