2027: Atiku’s suit challenging Tinubu’s eligibility stalls over service dispute

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election, after Atiku’s legal team said it had been unable to personally serve the President with the originating summons.

The case came up on Tuesday before Justice Inyang Ekwo, but proceedings were dominated by a dispute over how the court process should be served on Tinubu.

Counsel to Atiku and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Joseph Onu Silas, told the court that efforts to personally deliver the originating summons to the President had been unsuccessful.

He subsequently asked Justice Ekwo to approve substituted service, which would allow the originating summons to be served through another legally recognised method.

However, counsel representing President Tinubu, Omosanya Popoola, SAN, told the court that he was willing to accept the process on behalf of his client.

Popoola urged the court to direct Atiku’s lawyer to hand the documents to him in open court for onward transmission to the President.

Atiku’s counsel declined, insisting that Popoola should first provide a written undertaking confirming that he had Tinubu’s authority to receive the court process on his behalf.

The disagreement prevented the originating summons from being served in the manner proposed by either side.

Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr Alex Izinyon, SAN, also urged the court to allow service through Tinubu’s lawyer so that the substantive issues in the case could be addressed without further delay.

Justice Ekwo, however, adjourned the matter to allow Atiku’s legal team to resolve the procedural difficulty and put its case in order.

The judge subsequently fixed September 28, 2026, for further mention of the suit.

READ ALSO:

• US Teen Indicted for Aiding and Abetting Deadly San Diego Mosque Shooting
• Police Arrest Two Men Over Alleged Defilement of 9-Year-Old in Ogun
• Ilorin Youth Group Demands Disbandment of Iru-Ekun Over Alleged Obstruction of Tani-Olohun’s Arrest

The development represents a procedural setback for Atiku, but it does not constitute a judicial determination of President Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 election. The court has yet to consider the substantive allegations contained in Atiku’s originating summons.

Atiku and the ADC instituted the action against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC, asking the Federal High Court to determine whether the President meets the constitutional requirements to contest the 2027 presidential election.

A central part of the case concerns an alleged NYSC discharge certificate submitted to INEC in connection with Tinubu’s presidential candidacy.

Atiku alleges that the certificate bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, rather than “Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.

The former vice president is asking the court to determine whether the document belongs to Tinubu and whether any discrepancy surrounding the name or authenticity of the certificate has constitutional consequences.

Atiku is relying, among other provisions, on Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for disqualification where a person has presented a forged certificate to INEC.

The plaintiffs have also asked INEC to produce relevant Form CF001 documents submitted in connection with Tinubu’s 2023 and 2027 presidential candidacies.

Atiku’s legal team argues that the evidence should establish whether the individual named on the NYSC document is the same person as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The allegations are contained in court processes and have not been established by any court. Tinubu has not been judicially found to have submitted a forged certificate.

The suit also challenges aspects of the Electoral Act 2026 relating to the ability of individuals to question the qualification of candidates before an election.

Atiku and the ADC argue that statutory restrictions cannot override constitutional provisions concerning presidential qualification.

They contend that where legislation conflicts with the Constitution, the constitutional provisions should prevail.

The plaintiffs are therefore asking the court to determine whether the provisions of the Electoral Act can prevent them from relying on Section 137(1)(j) of the Constitution to challenge Tinubu’s eligibility.

If the court eventually rules in their favour on the substantive claims, Atiku and the ADC are seeking an order disqualifying Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Ekwo also reportedly cautioned parties and their lawyers against discussing the substance of the pending case on social media.

The judge stressed the importance of allowing the judicial process to take its course and indicated that lawyers could face consequences for commenting publicly on matters before the court.

The warning comes as the case attracts significant political attention because of the identities of the parties involved and its potential implications for the 2027 presidential election.

The suit comes as political activity ahead of the 2027 election intensifies.

Tinubu, who won the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the APC, is expected to seek a second term, while Atiku has emerged as a major opposition figure on the platform of the ADC.

The two politicians were among the leading contenders in the 2023 presidential election.

Atiku’s latest legal action therefore adds a significant constitutional and electoral dispute to the increasingly competitive political environment ahead of 2027.

For now, however, the immediate hurdle remains procedural.

Until the President is properly served or the court determines an alternative method of service, the substantive questions surrounding the validity of Tinubu’s alleged NYSC certificate, his constitutional qualification and the effect of the Electoral Act 2026 cannot be fully determined in the suit.

The case has consequently been adjourned until September 28, 2026, when the Federal High Court is expected to take the next procedural step.

Whatever the eventual outcome, the court’s decision on the substantive issues could have significant implications for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election and the legal framework governing challenges to presidential candidates.

2027: Atiku’s suit challenging Tinubu’s eligibility stalls over service dispute

APC Defends Betta Edu’s Appointment to Tinubu 2027 Campaign: “It’s an Internal Party Affair”

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has brushed aside public outcry over the appointment of suspended former Minister Betta Edu to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign council, insisting the decision is a private party matter that does not require public approval.

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has firmly defended its decision to appoint Betta Edu, the suspended former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, to a key role in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, despite her ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged N585 million fraud scandal. Speaking on Channels TV on Monday, Kemi Asekun-Shittu, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, justified the appointment, arguing that it falls strictly within the party’s internal prerogatives and is “not a public thing.”

When pressed on why the party would appoint a figure publicly embroiled in a high-profile corruption case, Asekun-Shittu offered a three-pronged defense. She began by framing the appointment as an internal party decision, stating, “I need you to see it from this angle. It is an internal party affair if we decide that she is going to be useful, and be able to work on behalf of the party, she does have a right. It is not a public thing.” The spokesperson emphasized that the APC, as a political organization, has the discretion to select individuals it deems valuable for its campaign machinery, regardless of their legal standing. She further invoked the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence, arguing that Edu has not been convicted by any court of law. “I’d like to say that for Betta Edu, for example, she has not been found guilty. And it would be unfair to ask her to leave her life or refuse to live until the EFCC declares her,” she said, expressing confidence that there is a “very likely issue that she may not be found guilty” as the investigation unfolds. While defending the appointment, Asekun-Shittu conceded that the EFCC probe remains active, admitting, “That matter is still with the EFCC; it is being handled,” without providing a timeline for when the investigation might conclude.

READ ALSO:

• Adeleke explains two-year extension of UNIOSUN VC’s tenure
• Court restrains NMDPRA from shutting down Dangote Refinery over regulatory dispute
• Saka fires Arsenal to narrow win over Aston Villa in Arteta’s 250th Premier League game

Betta Edu was suspended from her ministerial position in January 2024 following allegations that she directed N585 million in public funds—earmarked for vulnerable citizens—to be diverted into a private bank account. The scandal triggered widespread public outrage and prompted President Tinubu to order a thorough EFCC investigation. The EFCC has since confirmed that it has recovered over N30 billion in connected investigations, though Edu’s specific case remains open. Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, told the People Gazette: “I cannot give you a one-word answer. But the thing I can say concerning her matter is that investigations are still ongoing.” Despite her suspension and subsequent removal from the cabinet in 2024, Edu was appointed on August 22, 2026 as Director of Women Mobilisation for Tinubu’s 2027 campaign, a role that positions her at the forefront of grassroots outreach to female voters.

The Betta Edu appointment is not an isolated incident, as the 2027 campaign council list, unveiled by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s spokesperson, includes several other figures with significant legal and ethical baggage. Among them is Ngozi Olejeme, appointed as Zonal Director of Election Planning, who is facing trial for alleged N1 billion fraud and was previously declared wanted by the EFCC. Also included are Jolly Nyame and Joshua Dariye, both former governors who have been convicted of looting multi-billion-naira public funds. Additionally, serving public officials such as Zacch Adedeji, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Tanimu Yakubu, Director-General of the Budget Office, have been named as members, raising concerns over the mixing of governance responsibilities with partisan campaigning. The inclusion of convicted former governors Nyame and Dariye has drawn particular criticism, as both had been found guilty of corruption charges while in office.

The appointments have sparked a wave of criticism from opposition parties, civil society organizations, and legal practitioners. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the appointments, suggesting the campaign council serves as a “rehabilitation system” for politically exposed persons facing corruption probes, and questioned the government’s commitment to the anti-corruption agenda it campaigned on in 2023. Nigerian lawyers have expressed mixed but largely critical views, with Kano-based lawyer Umar Usman Danbaito telling the People Gazette: “While there may be no legal barrier to the appointments, there are serious moral and ethical concerns. These appointments send bad signals to the electorate and could erode public trust in the government’s anti-corruption fight.” Other legal observers have warned that including serving public officials like the FIRS Chairman and Budget Office Director-General could blur the constitutional lines between governance and partisan campaigning, potentially violating the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

When contacted for an update on Betta Edu’s investigation, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to provide a definitive timeline, stating only that “investigations are still ongoing.” This lack of resolution—nearly three years after her suspension—has fueled public skepticism about the Nigerian government’s commitment to prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, especially involving political allies, and has raised questions about the effectiveness and independence of the EFCC in handling politically sensitive matters.

Political analysts suggest the APC’s decision to appoint controversial figures reflects a strategy that prioritizes political loyalty and grassroots mobilization capacity over public perception of integrity, signaling a calculated political calculus that values organizational strength and electoral utility above public approval. However, critics warn that this approach could alienate reform-minded voters and undermine President Tinubu’s credibility on anti-corruption—a key campaign promise in 2023 that helped secure his victory. As the 2027 elections approach, the APC campaign council composition is likely to remain a contentious issue, with the opposition expected to weaponize these appointments in their electoral campaigns, framing the ruling party as indifferent to accountability and captured by corrupt interests.

APC Defends Betta Edu’s Appointment to Tinubu 2027 Campaign: “It’s an Internal Party Affair”

Gunmen kill Kano APC chairman, two others in fresh Bebeji attack

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of Rantan Ward in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Garba Buba, in a fresh attack that claimed the lives of two other residents.

The attackers reportedly invaded Rantan community on Sunday night and opened fire on residents, sending people fleeing from their homes in search of safety.

Buba was reportedly shot inside his residence during the attack and was later rushed to a hospital, where he died from the injuries sustained.

Another resident, identified as Sulaiman Zunduma, was reportedly killed at the scene after being shot by the attackers.

A community resident, Hamza Isah Rantan, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, saying suspected kidnappers invaded the community during the night and attacked residents.

“On Sunday night kidnappers attacked our town, Rantan, where they shot Alhaji Garab Buha, the APC ward chairman in Rantan, who later died in a hospital. They also killed another resident, Sulaiman Zunduma,” he said.

Hamza prayed for the repose of the deceased and the recovery of those who sustained injuries during the attack.

The killing of Buba was also confirmed by Kano State APC spokesperson Auwalu Soja, who described the incident as an assassination.

Soja said the party would issue a formal statement on the killing and provide further details.

A member of Buba’s family, Hafsat Garba Rantan, also confirmed his death, describing him as her paternal uncle.

Initial accounts from residents identified Buba and Zunduma as the two people killed, while another resident, Alhaji Sa’adu, was reported to have sustained gunshot injuries.

However, the Kano State Police Command subsequently confirmed that three people were killed during the attack, indicating that the death toll was higher than the initial community accounts.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Bakori, said the command had commenced an investigation into the attack and was working to identify and apprehend those responsible.

READ ALSO:

• Lagos pensioners tear-gassed during protest as Sowore demands justice
• 2027: Donald Duke warns divided opposition could hand Tinubu victory
• Security Forces Rescue 10 NYSC Members from Kogi Forest

The police confirmation came amid intensified security operations across Kano State as authorities seek to contain the activities of armed criminal groups in vulnerable communities.

The command said its recent operations had resulted in the arrest of 244 suspects in August, alongside the recovery of weapons and other items linked to criminal activities.

The police said intelligence-led operations, targeted raids, 24-hour patrols and increased engagement with communities had helped improve security in several parts of Kano.

However, the latest attack in Bebeji has raised fresh concerns about the security of residents in rural communities, particularly at night when armed groups can exploit limited security presence.

The Rantan attack occurred less than 24 hours after suspected bandits invaded Chiromawa community in Garun Malam Local Government Area, where they abducted Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo Chiromawa, the Sarkin Noman Kano.

The incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, according to the police, after the attackers invaded the community and opened fire.

Several residents were shot during the attack, with the police identifying three injured victims as Yusif Nasiru, Salisu Garba and Ibrahim Hassan, all aged 20.

The police said tactical teams and personnel from neighbouring divisions were immediately mobilised after receiving a distress call.

Security operatives, working alongside members of the local community, subsequently launched a pursuit of the attackers.

The pressure reportedly forced the gunmen to abandon Nadabo, who was rescued unharmed.

The rescue came as a relief to residents but did little to ease concerns over the ability of armed groups to launch attacks and abduct residents in communities around the state.

The two incidents within a short period have renewed concerns about banditry, kidnapping and armed attacks in Kano State, particularly in communities close to areas where criminal groups operate.

The killing of Buba has also attracted political attention because he was an APC ward chairman and a grassroots party leader in Bebeji.

His death comes as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, although security authorities have not linked the killing to political rivalry or established a political motive.

The police have continued to describe the attackers as suspected kidnappers or gunmen while investigations into the incident continue.

Authorities are expected to intensify efforts to track the perpetrators and prevent further attacks in Bebeji and neighbouring communities.

Residents have also called for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering and quicker response to distress calls to protect vulnerable communities.

The latest incident has once again highlighted the security challenges facing parts of northern Nigeria, where communities continue to demand sustained action against kidnapping and banditry.

For now, the Kano State Police Command says its investigation into the Rantan attack is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying and apprehending those responsible for the killings.

The death of Garba Buba, a serving APC ward chairman, and the other victims has further heightened calls for stronger security measures to protect residents across Kano’s rural communities.

Gunmen kill Kano APC chairman, two others in fresh Bebeji attack