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

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), 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 (NYSC) certificate.

Atiku personally visited the court registry on Friday to depose to an affidavit in support of the suit filed against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The case is anchored on Sections 137(1)(j), 139(1)(a)(i) and 285(14)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, alongside relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

At the heart of the legal challenge is Section 137(1)(j), which provides that a person is not qualified to contest for the presidency if the person has presented a forged certificate to INEC.

Atiku and the ADC are asking the court to determine whether Tinubu should be disqualified based on their allegation that a disputed NYSC discharge certificate submitted to INEC in connection with his presidential candidacy bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle” rather than “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

They also allege that Tinubu did not obtain the certificate and that the same document was used in connection with the 2027 presidential election.

However, the allegations remain unproven, with the court 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 earlier requested certified true copies of the relevant documents from the electoral commission but had not received them before filing the case.

Explaining his decision to appear personally at the registry, Atiku said the matter concerns the integrity of the Constitution and the Office of the President and should therefore be treated with utmost seriousness.

He maintained that the dispute should be resolved through evidence and judicial proceedings rather than political arguments or social media exchanges.

The former vice president also questioned whether the name on the disputed certificate could legally be attributed to Tinubu, insisting that the court should determine whether “Tinubu Bola Adekunle” and “Bola Ahmed Tinubu” refer to the same person for the purpose of the document.

The suit further challenges provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 which Atiku and the ADC argue could restrict candidates or political parties from challenging the qualification of presidential candidates before an election.

They contend that ordinary legislation cannot override constitutional provisions and argue that where an Act of the National Assembly conflicts with the Constitution, the Constitution takes precedence.

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

Atiku also called on INEC to demonstrate its neutrality by releasing the relevant electoral records, saying Nigerians deserve clarity on the eligibility of presidential candidates before casting their votes.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Edwin Inegedu, SAN, and Joseph Onu Silas, expressed confidence in the legal challenge, saying the legal team had reviewed the relevant laws and was prepared to respond to the defendants’ arguments when served.

The suit introduces another major legal dispute into the political contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election, placing Tinubu’s qualification, the disputed NYSC document and INEC’s custody of nomination records before the judiciary.

Atiku maintained that the case is ultimately about the equal application of the law and the supremacy of the Constitution.