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A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned lawyers representing former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu against discussing their ongoing legal battle in the media.
Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the warning on Tuesday while adjourning proceedings in Atiku and the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) suit seeking to disqualify Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The judge said the case must be argued in court rather than through traditional or social media, warning that lawyers who violate the directive could face serious consequences.
“This case is to be conducted in court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social,” Ekwo warned.
“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, was filed by Atiku and the ADC against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Tinubu’s counsel, Omosanya Popoola, announced his appearance for the President. Atiku’s lawyer, Joseph Onu, however, told the court that the plaintiffs had yet to serve Tinubu with the court processes.
Onu said the plaintiffs wanted personal service on the President or an order permitting substituted service because of the sensitive nature of the case.
“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,” he said.
“But if we have a written undertaking from the 1st defendant to be served through counsel, we will accept.”
INEC’s counsel, Alex Iziyon, urged the court to reject the demand for personal service, arguing that the appearance of Tinubu’s lawyer was sufficient. He also asked the court to fast-track the case, saying more than 17 days had passed since it was filed and that INEC was ready to file its defence within 10 days.
Justice Ekwo said he could not dictate how the plaintiffs should conduct their case before adjourning the matter until September 28 for mention.
Atiku and the ADC are challenging Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 election, alleging that he submitted a forged NYSC discharge certificate to INEC.
They are relying on Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides for disqualification where a candidate presents a forged certificate to INEC.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that the certificate submitted by Tinubu was forged and consequently disqualify him and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election.
