Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to disqualify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election over an alleged discrepancy involving an NYSC certificate.
Atiku personally appeared at the court registry on Friday to swear to an affidavit supporting the suit filed against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to a statement by Atiku’s media aide, Phrank Shaibu, the suit relies on provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.
At the center of the case is an NYSC discharge certificate allegedly submitted to INEC in the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle,” which Atiku claims differs from the President’s name, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He further alleges that the certificate was not obtained by Tinubu.
Atiku is asking the court to determine whether the alleged certificate issue violates Section 137(1)(j) of the Constitution, which bars a person who presents a forged certificate to INEC from contesting the presidency.
The former vice president has also asked INEC to produce Tinubu’s Form CF001 submitted for the 2023 and 2027 elections, saying the documents are necessary for the court to examine the allegations.
Beyond the certificate issue, Atiku and the ADC are challenging provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 that they argue could restrict legal challenges to a presidential candidate’s qualification before an election.
Atiku said the case was about ensuring that constitutional standards applied equally to everyone seeking the presidency.
“The Presidency is not an immunity certificate against constitutional scrutiny,” he said.
The suit seeks, among other reliefs, an order disqualifying Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election if the allegations are established.
The allegations remain subject to judicial determination, with the court expected to consider the evidence and responses from the defendants.
