Don’t Discuss Atiku’s ‘NYSC Certificate Forgery’ Suit Against Tinubu In Media — Judge Warns

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a strict warning to lawyers involved in a suit seeking to disqualify President Bola Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election, prohibiting them from discussing the matter in regular or social media.

Issued on Tuesday during proceedings for the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026—instituted by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against Tinubu, the APC, and INEC—the judge declared, “This case is to be conducted in court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social,” warning that counsel would face “very drastic action” and be held personally responsible for any social media discussions.

During the court session, Atiku’s counsel, Joseph Onu, explained that the plaintiffs had yet to personally serve the president due to the sensitive nature of the case, stating, “My lord, this is a very important case, and we do not want to leave any chance for a technicality. We do not want to fall into any trap,” though noting they would consider substituted service if given a written undertaking, while Tinubu’s lawyer Omosanya Popoola marked appearances.

INEC counsel Alex Iziyon opposed the demand for personal service by arguing that Tinubu’s representation in court was sufficient and urged speedy proceedings since over 17 days had passed, but Justice Ekwo maintained the court could not dictate how plaintiffs pursue their case and subsequently adjourned the matter to September 28 for mention.

The underlying lawsuit challenges President Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 ballot on the grounds that he allegedly submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate bearing the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle” to INEC.

Bringing the challenge under Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, Atiku and the ADC contend that presenting this document amounts to giving false information to the electoral commission, which serves as a legal basis for candidate disqualification.