Nigeria: Atiku Seeks to Amend Suit Challenging Tinubu's 2027 Eligibility

What the report says

Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja for permission to amend their suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election, according to Premium Times as republished by AllAfrica. The plaintiffs say the changes are meant to correct filing errors, clarify exhibits, and spell out more fully their claim that a disputed NYSC discharge certificate was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission in support of Tinubu’s candidacy.

The motion was mentioned in court on Monday, with lawyers for the parties confirming that documents had been exchanged. Judge Inyang Ekwo also confirmed service records and set 13 October for hearing of the amendment application. The suit itself was filed in August and seeks to bar Tinubu and the APC from taking part in the 2027 contest.

Atiku and the ADC say the amendment would not add a new issue, but Tinubu, INEC and the APC oppose the request. Tinubu’s side argues that the proposed changes would alter the case and introduce new reliefs, while INEC says the amendment would effectively bring in a fresh cause of action after the constitutional deadline for pre-election suits. The dispute is part of a broader legal fight over candidate eligibility and document validity ahead of the next election cycle.