Omanghana
Former Nigerian Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has filed a lawsuit seeking to disqualify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 14, 2026, centers on allegations that Tinubu submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
According to the court filing, the disputed certificate was allegedly presented to INEC in connection with Tinubu’s participation in the 2023 election and his reported preparations for the 2027 presidential race.
Atiku claims in his affidavit that the NYSC document bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle,” which he argues differs significantly from the President’s publicly recognized name, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The plaintiffs contend that the discrepancy raises questions about the ownership and authenticity of the certificate. They are asking the court to determine whether the document was lawfully obtained and whether its alleged submission affects Tinubu’s constitutional eligibility to seek the presidency.
The action relies primarily on Section 137(1)(j) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended. The provision disqualifies a person from election to the office of President if that individual has presented a forged certificate to INEC.
Atiku’s legal team is also seeking an order compelling the electoral commission to produce the original documents in its possession. The requested records would allow the court and the parties involved to examine the disputed certificate as part of the proceedings.
Atiku personally visited the Federal High Court registry to sign and swear to the affidavit supporting the case. His physical appearance at the registry was intended to underscore the significance he attaches to the constitutional questions raised in the lawsuit.
“I came here personally because the issues before the court go to the heart of our Constitution and the integrity of the office of President,” Atiku said in a statement following the filing.
He further challenged Tinubu to “answer the case against him before the law,” maintaining that questions concerning the eligibility of anyone seeking Nigeria’s highest office must be determined through the appropriate judicial process.
The filing is expected to intensify political tensions ahead of the 2027 general election. It also places renewed attention on the documents submitted by presidential candidates and the responsibility of INEC to verify their authenticity.
The allegations remain claims presented by Atiku and his legal team and have not been established by a court. President Tinubu and his representatives are expected to have an opportunity to respond during the proceedings.
The Federal High Court had not delivered a ruling on the substantive claims at the time of the filing. The outcome could have significant implications for the 2027 presidential contest and Nigeria’s wider debate over electoral eligibility, accountability and constitutional compliance.
Source: Omanghana
