Atiku Abubakar asks court to disqualify Tinubu from 2027 presidential race

Atiku Abubakar has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to disqualify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election, citing an alleged discrepancy in his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

The former vice-president, who is seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), filed the suit alongside other plaintiffs.

They want the court to determine whether the alleged certificate discrepancy affects Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the next presidential election.

According to the plaintiffs, the NYSC certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) carries the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, rather than the President’s name, “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The plaintiffs argue that the difference raises questions about the authenticity and validity of the document.

They are asking the court to examine whether the alleged discrepancy breaches the legal requirements for presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election.

The case could therefore create another legal challenge for President Tinubu as political parties begin preparations for the next presidential contest.

However, the court will have to determine the legal significance of the alleged discrepancy before any conclusion can be reached about Tinubu’s eligibility.

The suit also challenges provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly those relating to the qualification of presidential candidates.

Meanwhile, the case comes as Atiku Abubakar continues to position himself for another presidential contest. His move to the ADC has also intensified political attention ahead of 2027.

For now, the dispute remains before the court. The outcome could have wider implications for presidential qualification and the interpretation of electoral laws in Nigeria.