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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has cautioned lawyers involved in the suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election against discussing the matter in the media or on social media.

Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the warning on Tuesday while adjourning proceedings in the case instituted by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The suit is seeking Tinubu’s disqualification from the 2027 presidential election over allegations that he submitted a forged National Youth Service Scheme, NYSC, certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Justice Ekwo stressed that issues surrounding the matter should be handled within the courtroom and not through public commentary.

“This case is to be conducted in court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social,” Ekwo warned.

“If this case is discussed on social media, I will hold counsel for the party responsible, and I will take very drastic action.”

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, has Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and INEC listed as defendants.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, Omosanya Popoola appeared before the court as counsel to President Tinubu.

However, Atiku’s lawyer, Joseph Onu, informed the court that the plaintiffs had yet to successfully serve the President with the relevant court processes.

Onu said his clients intended to personally serve the documents on Tinubu or alternatively seek the court’s approval for substituted service, considering the importance of the case.

Counsel representing INEC, Alex Iziyon, urged the court to dismiss the request for personal service.

He argued that Tinubu’s awareness of the suit was already evident from the appearance of his lawyer in court.

Iziyon also appealed to the court to accelerate proceedings, noting that more than 17 days had passed since the suit was filed.

He said INEC was ready to file its defence within 10 days.

Justice Ekwo, however, maintained that it was not the responsibility of the court to instruct the plaintiffs on how to prosecute their case.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 28 for mention.

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