Atiku's Suit Against Tinubu Stalled Over Service Issues

A legal suit initiated by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), against President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) was stalled in Abuja. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, challenges Tinubu's eligibility for the 2027 general election, alleging that he submitted forged certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 1999 when he first ran for Governor of Lagos State.

During the court session, Joseph Onu Silas represented Atiku and ADC, while Omosanya Popoola, SAN, represented Tinubu and APC, and Dr Alex Izinyon, SAN, led the INEC team. The plaintiffs were unable to serve court documents to Tinubu personally and sought the court's permission for substituted service.

Despite Popoola's offer to accept service on behalf of Tinubu, the plaintiffs declined to avoid future technicalities. Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the case until September 28 for further hearing.

The plaintiffs argue that INEC cannot disqualify Tinubu without a court order.