2027: Atiku, ADC to amend suit challenging Tinubu’s eligibility

In Abuja, the Federal High Court adjourned until October 13, 2026, to hear a motion to amend the originating summons in a lawsuit filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress against President Bola Tinubu, his All Progressives Congress party, and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Counsel for the plaintiffs, Joseph Silas, informed the court that processes had been served on all defendants as required and that the plaintiffs had responded to the processes. However, the case had been delayed by a dispute over service of the processes on Tinubu. The plaintiffs' lawyer requested an order permitting substituted service on Tinubu, alleging that they had been unable to serve him personally.

The court urged counsel to focus on the matter at hand, and Justice Inyang Ekwo accepted the application to amend the originating summons. The plaintiffs and defendants were informed that they had been served with the application. The case, filed in August, challenges Tinubu's eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election based on an alleged discrepancy in a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate submitted to INEC and the President's official name.

The court granted permission for the plaintiffs to serve Tinubu through the APC after difficulties in personal service. The APC challenged this order, arguing that Tinubu's lawyers had already received the processes and filed their defense before the application for substituted service. Additionally, INEC has filed a response challenging the plaintiffs' competence and alleged abuse of court processes.