APC REACTS TO SUIT BETWEEN ATIKUABUBAKAR & ANOR V. BOLA AHMED TINUBU & ORS. 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the Federal High Court’s order permitting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and another plaintiff to serve court processes on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the party.

The party, in a letter dated September 22, 2026, said the substituted service was unnecessary because President Tinubu had already engaged legal representation, obtained the court processes and filed both a preliminary objection and a defence in the case.  

The matter, filed as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, involves Atiku and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as plaintiffs, with President Tinubu, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) listed as defendants. The plaintiffs are challenging Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election, including allegations concerning the NYSC discharge certificate submitted to INEC.  

According to the APC, Tinubu’s legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, obtained certified copies of the originating processes on September 11, filed a preliminary objection on September 14 and filed a defence with a written address on September 15. The party said the plaintiffs’ counsel acknowledged receipt of the filings.  

The APC therefore told the court that it does not have the authority or consent of President Tinubu to receive court processes on his behalf, arguing that he has already engaged counsel to represent him.

The party also urged the court to ensure that its processes are not used for what it described as media propaganda or public harassment, while maintaining that both the APC and President Tinubu are ready to proceed with the case.  

The suit is scheduled for further mention on September 28, 2026.