Atiku Asks Court to Disqualify Tinubu From 2027 Presidential Election Over NYSC Certificate

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku personally appeared at the Federal High Court on Friday, August 14, where he deposed to an affidavit in support of the case challenging Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the next presidential election. The suit also lists the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants. 

The case centres on an alleged discrepancy involving an NYSC discharge certificate said to have been submitted by Tinubu to INEC in connection with the 2023 and 2027 presidential elections.

According to Atiku and the ADC, the disputed certificate bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, which they contend differs from the President’s name, “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” 

The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether the alleged submission of the disputed certificate constitutes a ground for Tinubu’s disqualification from the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku’s legal action comes as the opposition continues to challenge Tinubu’s eligibility and credentials ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

The suit also reportedly seeks access to documents relating to Tinubu’s electoral filings, including his Form CF001 submitted to INEC for the relevant elections. 

The former vice president has maintained that the matter should be determined through evidence and the judicial process rather than political arguments.

The legal challenge adds a fresh dimension to the contest between Atiku and Tinubu, who faced each other in the 2023 presidential election. Atiku is now seeking the presidency again under the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 election.

Beyond the certificate controversy, Atiku’s legal team is also challenging aspects of the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that ordinary legislation cannot override constitutional provisions concerning eligibility to contest the presidency. 

The case is expected to generate significant political and legal attention as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

However, the allegations contained in the suit remain claims before the court and have not been established as facts. Any decision on Tinubu’s eligibility will ultimately depend on the court’s determination after hearing the parties and examining the evidence presented.

Adeleke to Tinubu: Osun Will Not Accept Election Rigging

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the August 15 governorship election in the state is free, fair and credible, warning that the people of Osun will resist any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the poll.

Speaking during a campaign rally in Osogbo, the governor expressed concern over what he described as rising political tension in the state, urging the President to intervene and rein in political actors allegedly using his name to intimidate opponents.

Addressing the President, Adeleke said Osun people had accepted Tinubu as Nigeria’s President and deserved the opportunity to freely choose their governor without fear or interference.

“President Tinubu, I am passing this message to you. Osun will not accept any form of rigging. We will come out, vote and protect our votes,” Adeleke declared before supporters.

The governor also reminded the gathering that, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, he had a responsibility to maintain peace while ensuring that residents exercised their democratic rights without intimidation.

He appealed to the President to call the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, to order, alleging that political tensions in the state were escalating ahead of the election.

Adeleke further warned against any attempt to repeat the electoral controversies that marked Nigeria’s political history, saying Osun must not be dragged back to an era of disputed elections and violence.

“We don’t want what happened in 1993 to repeat itself,” he said, while insisting that the will of the electorate must prevail on election day.

The August 15 governorship election is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched off-cycle polls, with the incumbent seeking another term amid an increasingly competitive political atmosphere. Campaigns have intensified across the state, while political parties continue to exchange accusations over alleged intimidation, violence and plans to influence the outcome of the election.

In recent days, Adeleke has repeatedly called on President Tinubu to act as “the father of the nation” by ensuring neutrality and preventing any abuse of federal influence during the election. He has also alleged that incidents of violence and killings in the state require urgent federal attention.

The governor’s comments have, however, drawn swift reactions from the All Progressives Congress (APC), which accused him of attempting to politicise security issues and divert attention from the campaign. The ruling party insisted that the election should be fought on issues rather than allegations of victimisation and electoral manipulation.

The APC maintained that President Tinubu remains committed to credible elections and dismissed Adeleke’s allegations as unfounded.

With less than two weeks before voters head to the polls, political activities have intensified across Osun State, while security agencies have continued to assure residents of adequate deployment of personnel to guarantee a peaceful electoral process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent election, urging political parties and their supporters to maintain peace and allow voters to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation.

The August 15 governorship election is expected to determine who governs Osun State for the next four years and is widely viewed as a significant political contest with implications beyond the state.

Kemi Olunloyo Questions Official Account of Oriire Rescue, Raises Fresh Questions About Oyo Abduction Case

 Investigative journalist Dr. Kemi Olunloyo has questioned the Federal Government’s account of the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, arguing that several aspects of the operation remain unexplained.

In a statement shared on social media, Olunloyo disputed the official narrative that security forces carried out a successful rescue operation, claiming instead that there was no such operation. She did not provide evidence to support that assertion.

The Federal Government has maintained that the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while others were neutralised.

President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have both commended the security agencies for the rescue and described the operation as a major breakthrough.

However, Olunloyo argued that several unanswered questions warrant closer scrutiny.

Among the issues she raised were why photographs released after the rescue appeared to show fewer people than the total number reportedly abducted, why the rescued pupils were not seen wearing school uniforms, why some of the alleged kidnappers had not been publicly presented, and why biscuits were distributed to the children shortly after their release.

She also questioned remarks made by the school principal during the reception of the rescued victims, suggesting the address appeared rehearsed.

Olunloyo’s comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users calling for greater transparency from authorities, while others accused her of making allegations without presenting supporting evidence.

As of the time of this report, neither the Presidency nor the Oyo State Government had responded to the specific questions raised by Olunloyo.

The official position of the Federal Government remains that the victims were rescued through a security operation conducted after nearly two months in captivity, with several suspects arrested and others killed during the mission.

Shemariah Media has not independently verified the claims made by Dr. Olunloyo.