Judge Warns Lawyers in Tinubu NYSC Certificate Case

Judge Inyang Ekwo of the federal high court in Abuja issued a warning to lawyers involved in the case seeking to disqualify President Bola Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election due to alleged forgery of a National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) certificate. The suit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was filed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During proceedings on Tuesday, Ekwo emphasized that the case should be handled exclusively in court and not through media channels, including social media. He warned that any discussion of the case outside the courtroom would lead to "very drastic action" against the responsible counsel.

Omosanya Popoola represented Tinubu, while Joseph Onu, representing Atiku, stated that the plaintiffs had not yet served Tinubu with the court documents, expressing the need for personal service or an order for substituted service due to the case's sensitive nature.