A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has warned lawyers involved in the legal battle over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election against discussing the case in the media or on social media.
Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the warning on Tuesday while hearing the suit filed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, challenging Tinubu’s participation in the 2027 presidential election over allegations relating to his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, lists President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.
Justice Ekwo stressed that proceedings concerning the matter must be conducted before the court rather than through public commentary.
“This case is to be conducted in court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social,” the judge warned.
He further cautioned that lawyers could face consequences if they publicly discuss details of the proceedings.
“If this case is discussed on social media, I will hold counsel for the party responsible, and I will take very drastic action,” Ekwo said.
The warning came as lawyers for the parties appeared before the court to address preliminary issues surrounding the case.
Omosanya Popoola announced his appearance as counsel representing President Tinubu.
However, counsel to Atiku, Joseph Onu, informed the court that the plaintiffs had not yet been able to serve the president with the relevant court processes.
Onu told the court that his clients preferred to personally serve Tinubu or, alternatively, obtain an order permitting substituted service because of the sensitive nature of the lawsuit.
“My lord, this is a very important case, and we do not want to leave any chance for a technicality. We do not want to fall into any trap,” Onu said.
He added that the plaintiffs would accept service through Tinubu’s legal representatives if there was a formal undertaking to that effect.
“But if we have a written undertaking from the 1st defendant to be served through counsel, we will accept,” the lawyer stated.
The court subsequently adjourned further proceedings in the matter.
The lawsuit is part of the broader political and legal contest surrounding the 2027 presidential election, with the ADC and Atiku seeking to establish that Tinubu should not be allowed to contest the election over the allegations raised in their suit.
The judge’s warning means lawyers involved in the case are expected to restrict their arguments and commentary to the courtroom as the legal proceedings continue.
