Atiku Abubakar Challenges Tinubu's 2027 Candidacy Legally

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has initiated legal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja against President Bola Tinubu, contesting his eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election. Atiku, representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), filed the suit alongside the party, targeting both Tinubu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The case revolves around allegations regarding the authenticity of an NYSC discharge certificate purportedly submitted by Tinubu to INEC. Atiku claims that the certificate bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle,” which differs from Tinubu's official name, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and asserts that the certificate was not legitimately obtained by Tinubu.

Additionally, Atiku has requested INEC to produce Tinubu’s Form CF001 related to the 2023 and 2027 elections. The suit also challenges certain provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, which restrict the ability to contest a candidate's qualifications at the pre-election stage.