Proceedings in a Federal High Court suit seeking to disqualify President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress from the 2027 presidential election have been adjourned to September 28 after the plaintiffs insisted on personally serving court documents on the President.
The suit was filed by African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and the ADC against Tinubu, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The plaintiffs allege that Tinubu submitted forged documents in connection with previous electoral processes and contend that Section 137(1)(j) of the Constitution makes presentation of a forged certificate a ground for disqualification from the presidency.
Those claims are allegations before the court and have not been determined.
When the matter came up, counsel for Atiku and the ADC said the plaintiffs had been unable to serve Tinubu personally and sought permission to use substituted service.
Counsel appearing for Tinubu and the APC told the court he had authority to accept service on behalf of the President.
The plaintiffs declined the offer, saying they wanted to avoid future disputes over technical compliance.
Justice Inyang Ekwo subsequently adjourned the case until September 28.
The plaintiffs’ supporting affidavit raises questions about documents attributed to Tinubu, including an NYSC discharge certificate bearing the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle.”
They argue that the certificate should be examined in determining eligibility.
The President and APC are entitled to respond fully to the allegations, and no finding of forgery or constitutional ineligibility has been made by the court.
The case is one of several legal and political disputes emerging as parties prepare for the 2027 election.
