Abuja court bars counsel from discussing Tinubu eligibility case on social media

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order prohibiting legal representatives involved in a case questioning President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election from engaging in public discussions about the matter on social media platforms. On Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the proceedings in the suit filed by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Atiku and his allies are seeking to invalidate Tinubu’s participation in the 2027 election due to claims that he provided a falsified National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Justice Ekwo emphasized that the legal dispute must be resolved within the courtroom and not disseminated through media channels, be they traditional or social. He threatened to hold accountable the counsel responsible for any breach of this court order and warned of severe consequences for discussing the case on social media. The lawsuit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, challenges Tinubu, the incumbent party of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and INEC.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Omosanya Popoola represented Tinubu, while Joseph Onu, representing Atiku, expressed the plaintiffs' inability to serve the court documents to the President personally yet. Onu advocated for either direct service on Tinubu or substituted service, given the case’s significance. Alex Iziyon, representing INEC, contended that the mere presence of Tinubu’s lawyer in court was sufficient proof that the President was informed of the legal proceedings.

Iziyon also requested the judge to expedite the trial, as more than 17 days had elapsed since the filing of the complaint. INEC pledged to submit its defense within a span of 10 days.

However, Justice Ekwo declined to instruct the plaintiffs on their case management and adjourned the matter until September 28 for further consideration.