2027: Atiku Seeks Tinubu’s Disqualification Over Alleged Forged NYSC Certificate

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election over an alleged forged National Youth Service Corps certificate.

Atiku personally appeared at the court registry on Friday to depose to an affidavit supporting the suit filed against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The case invokes provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Electoral Act 2026, particularly Section 137(1)(j) of the Constitution, which addresses the presentation of forged certificates to INEC.

Atiku and the African Democratic Congress are asking the court to determine whether Tinubu should be disqualified if the allegations concerning the disputed NYSC document are established.

According to Atiku’s affidavit, the certificate allegedly submitted to INEC bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle” rather than “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The plaintiffs further allege that the document was not obtained by Tinubu and was submitted in connection with the 2027 presidential election.

The allegations have not been judicially established, and the court is expected to determine the authenticity of the document and its legal implications.

Atiku is also seeking an order compelling INEC to produce Tinubu’s Form CF001 submitted for the 2023 and 2027 presidential elections.

He said he had previously requested certified copies of the relevant electoral documents from the commission but had not received them before filing the suit.

Explaining his decision to personally appear at the registry, Atiku said the case concerned constitutional principles and the integrity of the presidency.

He stressed that the matter should be determined through evidence and judicial proceedings rather than political arguments or social media debates.

The suit also challenges provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 which Atiku and the ADC argue could restrict pre-election challenges to the qualification of presidential candidates.

They contend that ordinary legislation cannot override constitutional provisions and are asking the court to determine whether the restrictions can prevent them from relying on Section 137(1)(j).

Among the reliefs sought is an order disqualifying Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election if the allegations are proven.

Atiku also urged INEC to demonstrate its neutrality by producing the relevant nomination documents in its custody.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Edwin Inegedu, SAN, and Joseph Onu Silas, expressed confidence in the case, saying the legal team had reviewed the relevant constitutional and electoral provisions.

The suit introduces another major legal dispute into preparations for the 2027 presidential election, placing Tinubu’s qualification, the disputed NYSC document and INEC’s electoral records before the judiciary.

The case will now test the legal implications of certificate authenticity allegations and the relationship between constitutional qualification requirements and statutory restrictions on pre-election litigation.