ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a strict warning to all legal counsel involved in the high-profile lawsuit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election, barring them from discussing the case details across traditional and social media platforms.
Tripod Times reports that Presiding Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, handed down the order on Tuesday during a court session where he explicitly stated that any trial by media regarding the sensitive litigation would face severe judicial consequences.
“This case is to be conducted in the court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social,” Justice Ekwo warned the legal teams. “If this case is discussed on social media, I will hold counsel for the party responsible, and I will take very drastic action.”
Background of the Legal Battle
The legal restrictions come amidst an intensifying political feud. The suit, which was jointly instituted by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aims to disqualify President Tinubu from contesting the 2027 election.
The plaintiffs are relying heavily on Section 137(1)(j) of the amended 1999 Constitution. They allege that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted by the President to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was forged, noting the document carries the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle” rather than the President’s official identity.
Disputes on Substituted Service
Tuesday’s heated proceeding focused largely on technical issues surrounding court service. Atiku’s legal team, led by Chris Uche, SAN (represented by dynamic counsel), insisted on formal personal service directly to the President to eliminate technical loopholes.
Conversely, INEC’s lead counsel, Dr. Alex Iziyon, SAN, urged the court to bypass personal service delays. Iziyon argued that the presence of Tinubu’s legal representatives sufficed as an active commitment to respond, demanding an accelerated hearing because more than 17 days had already passed since the case was initiated.
Refusing to dictate how the plaintiffs should steer their case presentation, Justice Ekwo ultimately adjourned the case to September 28, 2026, for further mention. Until then, both legal camps must remain silent online or risk facing heavy sanctions for contempt.
