The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned lawyers handling a suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election against discussing the case in the traditional media or on social media.Courts & Judiciary.
Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the warning on Tuesday while presiding over a suit filed by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The plaintiffs are seeking Tinubu’s disqualification from the 2027 presidential election over allegations that he submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was filed against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC.
Justice Ekwo cautioned counsel representing all parties to ensure that the dispute was litigated strictly in court rather than through public commentary.
“This case is to be conducted in court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social,” the judge warned.
He further cautioned that lawyers would be held responsible if the case was discussed on social media.
“If this case is discussed on social media, I will hold counsel for the party responsible, and I will take very drastic action,” Ekwo said.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Omosanya Popoola appeared for Tinubu, while Joseph Onu represented Atiku and the ADC. Onu told the court that the plaintiffs had not yet been able to serve Tinubu with the originating court processes.
He said the plaintiffs wanted the documents to be personally served on the President or, alternatively, sought the court’s permission to effect substituted service, citing what they described as the importance of the matter.
However, counsel to INEC, Alex Iziyon, opposed the request for personal service.
Iziyon argued that the appearance of Tinubu’s lawyer in court was sufficient indication that the President was already aware of the proceedings.
The INEC lawyer also urged the court to expedite the hearing of the case, noting that more than 17 days had elapsed since the suit was filed.Courts & Judiciary. He told the court that the electoral commission was prepared to file its defence within 10 days.
Justice Ekwo, however, said the court could not dictate to the plaintiffs how they should conduct their case.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 28, 2026, for mention.
The case centres on the plaintiffs’ allegation that Tinubu presented a forged NYSC certificate to INEC and should therefore be disqualified from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The allegation has not been determined by the court, and the proceedings remain at a preliminary stage, with issues concerning service of the court processes yet to be resolved.