INEC asks court to reject Atiku bid to amend Tinubu eligibility suit

The Independent National Electoral Commission has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to reject Atiku Abubakar’s move to amend his suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 election.

Atiku, listed in the reports as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, is suing alongside the party over Tinubu’s National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate submitted to INEC by the All Progressives Congress.

INEC argued in its objection and counter-affidavit that the case failed to disclose a reasonable cause of action and should be dismissed. The commission also said Atiku lacked the legal standing to bring the matter.

The electoral body said it does not nominate candidates for political parties and does not originate or procure certificates submitted by candidates or their sponsoring parties.

Daily Trust reported that the plaintiffs asked Justice Inyang Ekwo to disqualify Tinubu and the APC from the 2027 presidential election over the alleged submission of a forged NYSC discharge certificate. The court will have to determine whether the amendment request can proceed before the wider eligibility arguments are heard.

Sources: Daily Post, Daily Trust