Atiku’s Personal Service Condition Stalls Suit Seeking Tinubu, APC’s Disqualification

The legal proceedings to disqualify President Bola Tinubu and his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), from participating in the 2027 general election have been delayed. The plaintiffs, represented by Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have been adamant about personally serving the court documents on the president.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court, challenges the eligibility of Tinubu and APC in the upcoming election, citing forged certificates presented by Tinubu in 1999 when he contested for the Lagos State Governorship. The plaintiffs argue that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot disqualify Tinubu and APC without a court order.

During the hearing, Atiku's legal team, led by Joseph Onu Silas, informed the court that they had been unable to serve the documents personally to Tinubu and would seek an alternative means. Despite Tinubu's representative, Omosanya Popoola, stating he was ready to accept service on his client's behalf, the plaintiffs declined, emphasizing their desire to avoid technicalities in future proceedings. The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, adjourned the case for a hearing on September 28.