The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar permission to serve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with court processes through the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the application on Wednesday while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by Atiku’s counsel, O.T. Omotayo-Ojo, seeking an order for substituted service.
The court directed that the processes be served through the APC within seven days. The case has been adjourned to September 28 for further proceedings.
What is the case about?
Atiku and the ADC are challenging Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, names Tinubu, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.
The plaintiffs allege that a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate was submitted to INEC in connection with Tinubu’s qualifications.
Those are allegations contained in the plaintiffs’ court filings and have not been established by the court.
The case is therefore at the litigation stage, with the substantive allegations yet to be determined. Reports on the proceedings indicate that Tinubu and the APC have opposed the suit and challenged its basis.
Why substituted service was sought
The application followed difficulties encountered by the plaintiffs in personally serving Tinubu with the originating court processes.
Justice Ekwo’s order now permits the documents to be served through the APC rather than directly on the President.
The development allows the case to move forward procedurally, but it does not constitute a ruling on the allegations against Tinubu or determine his eligibility for the 2027 election.
The next proceedings are expected to further address the suit and the objections raised by the defendants.