A Federal High Court in Abuja has set November 20 for its ruling on a motion by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to amend his eligibility suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s and the APC’s participation in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Atiku and his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), filed the main case in August (FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026), seeking an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove Tinubu and the APC from the list of candidates and parties. The plaintiffs allege that the APC submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate allegedly belonging to Tinubu to INEC.
Atiku’s lawyers argue the amendment is limited to correcting errors and adding fuller particulars, including clearer copies of exhibits, a written deposition, and proper referencing of election-related forms. Tinubu, the APC, and INEC oppose the request, saying it is statute-barred, would introduce a new cause of action rather than correct defects, and would improperly cure deficiencies after the constitutional time limit for pre-election matters has passed. The court heard submissions from both sides and adjourned for the decision.