Court schedules ruling on Atiku’s bid to amend certificate forgery suit against Tinubu

Abuja's Federal High Court has set November 20 to determine Atiku Abubakar's request to amend his suit challenging President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress' (APC) participation in the 2027 presidential election. The judge's decision came after Atiku demanded to alter his claims against Tinubu and the APC, while vehemently opposing their stance.

At Tuesday's hearing, Atiku's lawyer, Joseph Silas Onu, argued for the amendment, stating it would enable him to present additional evidence against Tinubu and the party in the certificate forgery case. On September 10, Atiku and the African Democratic Congress filed an application to amend their originating summons, citing errors such as incorrectly referring to an INEC form as Form CF001 instead of Form EC9A.

They also sought to include detailed allegations of fraud, a written deposition from Atiku, and clearer copies of exhibits that were unavailable when the suit was initially filed. Tinubu's legal team, represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and Akin Olujimi, SAN, opposed Atiku's bid, arguing that both parties have joined issues, and the former Vice President cannot shift the focus mid-trial.

Legal expert Dr. Alex Izinyon also advocated for dismissing the amendment request and proceeding to the main case. After considering the arguments, Justice Ekwo announced November 20 as the ruling date. The initial suit alleges that the APC submitted a forged NYSC discharge certificate to Inec, requesting the court to remove Tinubu and the APC from the candidate and party list for the 2027 election.