The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until October 13, 2026, further proceedings in the suit filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after counsel for the plaintiffs informed the court that an application seeking to amend their originating summons had been filed and served on the defendants.

Plaintiffs Confirm Service on Defendants

At Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the plaintiffs, Joseph Silas, told the court that the relevant processes had been served on all the defendants within the required period.

He also informed Justice Ekwo that the plaintiffs had received and responded to the processes filed by the defendants.

The issue of service had previously caused a delay in the case, particularly regarding efforts to serve President Tinubu directly.

Tinubu’s Lawyers Raise Service Dispute

Counsel to President Tinubu, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, reminded the court of the proceedings of September 1, when counsel representing the second defendant had offered to receive the court processes on behalf of the President.

Olanipekun argued that the offer was rejected by the plaintiffs’ counsel, who later approached the court seeking permission to serve Tinubu through substituted means.

The President’s legal team also disputed the plaintiffs’ account of the attempts to serve him.

Justice Ekwo, however, directed the lawyers to concentrate on the issues scheduled for consideration rather than prolonging the dispute over service.

Plaintiffs Seek to Amend Originating Summons

Silas subsequently informed the court that the plaintiffs had filed an application seeking to amend their originating summons.

According to him, lawyers representing the defendants had been duly notified of the application.

After confirming that the relevant parties had been served, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until October 13 for hearing of the application.

What the Suit Is About

Atiku and the ADC are challenging Tinubu’s eligibility to participate in the 2027 presidential election.

A central issue raised by the plaintiffs concerns an alleged discrepancy between the name appearing on a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted to INEC and the President’s official name.

The allegation is part of the substantive issues that remain before the court and have yet to be judicially determined.

Court Earlier Approved Substituted Service

The latest proceedings follow an earlier ruling by Justice Ekwo on September 16, when the court granted the plaintiffs permission to serve Tinubu through the All Progressives Congress (APC) after they said attempts at personal service had proved difficult.

The APC subsequently challenged that order, arguing that Tinubu’s lawyers had already collected the originating processes and filed his defence before the application for substituted service was brought.

INEC Challenges Competence of the Case

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has filed processes challenging the competence of the suit.

The electoral body’s response includes arguments concerning the plaintiffs’ legal standing to institute the action and allegations relating to abuse of court process.

The case is therefore expected to return to court on October 13, when Justice Ekwo is scheduled to hear the plaintiffs’ application to amend the originating summons.