Photo Credit: The Sun Nigeria
Judge Warns Lawyers Against Media Trial in Suit Over Tinubu’s 2027 Eligibility

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has cautioned lawyers involved in the eligibility suit against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election to desist from arguing the case in the media.

Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the warning on Tuesday while hearing the suit filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) seeking to disqualify President Tinubu from contesting in 2027.

Justice Ekwo stressed that the matter must be argued strictly in court and not on traditional or social media platforms, warning that any violation would attract severe sanctions.

“This case is to be conducted in court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social,” the judge said.

“If this case is discussed on social media, I will hold counsel for the party responsible, and I will take very drastic action.”

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, has Atiku Abubakar and the ADC as plaintiffs, while President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are listed as defendants.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, Omosanya Popoola announced appearance for President Tinubu, while Joseph Onu appeared for the plaintiffs.

Onu informed the court that Tinubu was yet to be personally served with the originating processes. He said the plaintiffs were seeking either personal service on the President or an order for substituted service due to the sensitivity of the matter.

“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,” Onu told the court, adding that they would accept service through counsel if there is a written undertaking from the 1st defendant.

Counsel to INEC, Alex Iziyon (SAN), however, urged the court to discountenance the demand for personal service, arguing that the appearance of Tinubu’s lawyer was enough. He also called for an accelerated hearing, noting that over 17 days had elapsed since the case was filed and that INEC was ready to file its defence within 10 days.

Justice Ekwo said he would not dictate to the plaintiffs how to conduct their case and adjourned the matter to September 28 for mention.

Atiku and the ADC are challenging Tinubu’s eligibility on the allegation that he submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to INEC. They are relying on Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides for disqualification of a candidate who presents a forged certificate to INEC.

The plaintiffs are therefore praying the court to declare the certificate forged and to disqualify Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election.
SOURCE: The Sun Nigeria –