The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit seeking to disqualify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election over an alleged discrepancy in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

At the mention of the case, counsel to the plaintiff, Joseph Onu, told the court that he had been unable to personally serve the defendant and sought permission to effect service either directly or through substituted means.

Attempts by counsel representing President Tinubu to receive the originating summons on his behalf were reportedly rebuffed by Onu, who insisted that the process must be served on the President personally or through substituted service.

The suit, filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday, challenges Tinubu’s eligibility to seek another term, alleging that the name on the NYSC certificate submitted to INEC differs from the President’s official name.

According to the plaintiffs, the certificate bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, while the President is known as “Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.

They are asking the court to determine whether the alleged discrepancy in the name on the certificate affects Tinubu’s constitutional qualification to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, after hearing from the parties, adjourned the case until September 28 for further mention.

Tinubu defeated Atiku in the 2023 presidential election. Both politicians are expected to feature prominently in the race for the presidency ahead of the 2027 elections, with Tinubu seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Atiku is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).