Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu, aiming to disqualify him from the upcoming 2027 presidential election. This move comes amid allegations that Tinubu submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate in his bid for office.
Atiku filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he personally appeared to submit an affidavit supporting his claims. The suit names Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants. It cites several sections of the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 137(1)(j), which disqualifies any candidate who presents a forged certificate to INEC.
The crux of Atiku's argument hinges on a discrepancy in the name on the NYSC discharge certificate submitted by Tinubu. According to Atiku, the document lists the name as “Tinubu Bola Adekunle,” rather than the President’s full name, “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” He contends that this certificate was not obtained by Tinubu and that it was also submitted during the 2027 election process.
Atiku's legal team is requesting the court to compel INEC to produce Tinubu’s Form CF001 from both the 2023 and 2027 presidential elections. Atiku expressed his commitment to the case, stating, “I came here personally because the issues before the court go to the heart of our Constitution and the integrity of the Office of President.” He emphasized that the matter should be resolved through judicial processes rather than political discourse or social media debates.
In addition to challenging the authenticity of the NYSC certificate, Atiku's suit also questions the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. He argues that these provisions unfairly limit the ability of candidates or political parties to contest the qualifications of presidential candidates prior to elections. Atiku maintains that constitutional standards should prevail over statutory restrictions, asserting, “The presidency is not an immunity certificate against constitutional scrutiny.”
The legal proceedings pose significant implications for the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku's legal representatives, Edwin Inegedu, SAN, and Joseph Onu Silas, expressed confidence in their case, asserting that it presents an opportunity to advance Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence.
As the case unfolds, it will bring attention to the disputed NYSC document, the role of INEC in managing electoral records, and the constitutional boundaries surrounding pre-election challenges. Atiku reiterated the importance of transparency in electoral qualifications, stating, “Nigerians should know the eligibility of presidential candidates before voting.” He called for a clear understanding of candidates' qualifications to ensure informed voting in the upcoming election.
Sources
- Punch Newspapers Original article
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