Omanghana
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the case until September 28 following procedural arguments over the proper service of the originating court documents on the defendants.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was filed by Atiku and the African Democratic Congress as co-plaintiffs. President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress and the Independent National Electoral Commission were named as defendants.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether Tinubu is qualified to participate in the 2027 presidential election under the 1999 Constitution and relevant electoral laws.
Their case reportedly raises allegations of discrepancies and certificate irregularities in documents submitted to the electoral commission.
During the proceedings, counsel for the plaintiffs informed the court that personal service on the President had not been formally completed. The legal team consequently sought permission to serve the processes through an alternative method or obtain a written undertaking before handing the documents to the President’s counsel in court.
Lawyers representing the defendants offered to receive the documents directly to prevent further delays, while INEC’s legal team called for an accelerated timetable for the proceedings.
Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter to September 28 for mention, giving the parties time to regularize the service of the required court processes.
The judge also cautioned the parties and their representatives against discussing or arguing the substance of the pending case on traditional and social media platforms before the court determines the issues.
Source: Omanghana
