A Federal High Court in Abuja has placed a strict media embargo on lawyers involved in the legal battle challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election.

Presiding Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, issued the stern warning on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, cautioning counsel against debating the substantive details of the case across traditional or social media platforms.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was instituted jointly by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The plaintiffs are seeking Tinubu’s disqualification from the 2027 polls over allegations that he submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Expressing displeasure over potential media trials, Justice Ekwo emphasized that the temple of justice remains the only appropriate venue to argue the merits of the case.

“This case is to be conducted in court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social,” Justice 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 day`s proceedings hit a procedural snag when counsel to Atiku, Joseph Onu, informed the court that the plaintiffs had been unable to serve President Tinubu with the originating court documents.

Onu requested the court to grant an order for personal service on the President or, alternatively, allow for substituted service via public publication, citing the high national importance of the suit.

However, counsel to INEC, Alex Iziyon (SAN), opposed the application for personal service. Iziyon argued that the physical appearance of Omosanya Popoola in court as Tinubu’s legal representative proved that the President was already aware of the litigation.

INEC’s legal team further urged the court to fast-track the proceedings, pointing out that 17 days had already elapsed since the suit was officially filed. Iziyon noted that the electoral umpire was fully prepared to file its formal defence within 10 days to avoid unnecessary delays.

Declining to dictate the litigation strategy to the plaintiffs, Justice Ekwo noted that the court could not micro-manage how the petitioners handle their case files.

The matter has been adjourned until September 28, 2026, for mention.