Atiku’s Suit Challenging Tinubu’s 2027 Eligibility Stalled Over Service of Court Papers

A legal challenge seeking to stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election has been stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja over difficulties with serving the court papers on the President.

The suit was filed by former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who is questioning Tinubu’s eligibility based on an alleged discrepancy in the name on the NYSC discharge certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

At the mention of the case, counsel to the plaintiff, Joseph Onu, told the court that he had been unable to personally serve the President with the originating summons. He indicated that he wanted to serve Tinubu directly or obtain approval for substituted service.

However, an attempt by counsel representing Tinubu to receive the originating summons was reportedly rejected by Onu, who insisted that the documents must be served on the President personally or through a court-approved alternative method.

Atiku’s legal team is asking the court to determine whether the alleged difference between the name on the NYSC certificate and the President’s official name affects Tinubu’s constitutional qualification to seek another term in 2027.

The plaintiffs claim that the certificate submitted to INEC carries the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, while the President is officially known as “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” The suit argues that the discrepancy raises questions about his eligibility under the Constitution.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, after hearing from the parties, adjourned the matter until September 28, 2026, for further mention. The adjournment means the substantive questions raised in the suit have yet to be determined by the court.

Tinubu and Atiku were the leading candidates in the 2023 presidential election, with Tinubu emerging victorious. Both politicians are now positioning themselves for another contest in 2027, with Tinubu seeking the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku contesting under the ADC.