Atiku Abubakar asks the court to disqualify Tinubu from the 2027 election over alleged NYSC certificate and name discrepancies.
ABUJA — Atiku Abubakar has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to disqualify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku Abubakar personally appeared at the court registry on Friday. He also swore to an affidavit supporting the case.
The suit challenges Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election. It also names the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.
According to a statement from Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the case centres on alleged certificate and name discrepancies.
The section bars a person from becoming president if the person presents a forged certificate to INEC.
Atiku’s affidavit alleges that Tinubu submitted an NYSC discharge certificate to INEC. The document reportedly carries the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle.”
Atiku argues that the name differs from Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president’s name.
The plaintiffs also allege that the certificate was used in connection with the 2023 and 2027 presidential elections.
They further contend that Tinubu did not obtain the certificate in question.
These claims remain allegations before the court. The court will determine whether the evidence supports them.
Atiku Abubakar said he chose to appear at the registry himself because of the importance of the case.
He said the matter involves constitutional standards and the integrity of the presidency.
“I cannot ask Nigerians to respect the Constitution while treating a matter of this magnitude casually,” Atiku said.
He added that he had placed his name, signature and oath behind the facts presented to the court.
Atiku also challenged Tinubu to respond through the legal process.
The former vice president also wants INEC to produce Tinubu’s Form CF001.
The form contains information submitted by presidential candidates.
Atiku said he had requested certified copies of the relevant documents before filing the case. He claimed that INEC had not responded when the legal papers were prepared.
He said the court should examine the records rather than allow the dispute to become a social media battle.
“If the certificate belongs to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, let that be established before the court,” Atiku said.
He also questioned whether the two names on the certificate refer to the same person.
According to Atiku, the evidence should answer that question.
The case goes beyond the alleged NYSC certificate issue.
Atiku Abubakar and the ADC are also challenging parts of the Electoral Act, 2026.
They argue that some provisions could limit legal challenges to a candidate’s qualification before an election.
They also question provisions concerning qualification as a ground for challenging an election.
Atiku’s legal team argues that ordinary legislation cannot override the Constitution.
They say the Constitution remains the highest law.
The plaintiffs want the court to decide whether the Electoral Act can restrict their reliance on Section 137(1)(j).
The originating summons asks the Federal High Court to determine several issues.
One key request concerns Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 election.
Atiku and the ADC also seek an order disqualifying Tinubu and the APC from participating in the election if the court upholds their claims.
Atiku said the case should not be viewed as a personal fight.
He argued that Nigerians expect the same standard to apply to everyone seeking public office.
He also compared the issue with the scrutiny faced by ordinary Nigerians over their certificates.
According to Atiku, holding the presidency should not shield anyone from constitutional scrutiny.
Atiku Abubakar also called on INEC to demonstrate its neutrality.
He said the electoral commission holds important records linked to Tinubu’s presidential candidacy.
Atiku wants those records placed before the court.
He said Tinubu would have an opportunity to defend himself during the proceedings.
“The court has the jurisdiction to examine the issues. President Tinubu has the opportunity to defend himself,” Atiku said.
He added that Nigerians should know whether every presidential candidate meets the constitutional requirements before voting.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Edwin Inegedu, SAN, and Joseph Onu Silas, also spoke about the case.
Silas Onu said the legal team had reviewed the relevant laws and prepared its arguments.
He said the lawyers were ready to respond to the defendants once they receive the court processes.
The case now places the alleged certificate discrepancy, Tinubu’s eligibility and parts of the Electoral Act before the court.
The court will ultimately determine the legal weight of the claims and evidence presented by Atiku Abubakar and the ADC.
