Fasehun’s OPC backs Tinubu’s re-election bid

A federal high court judge in Nigeria has ordered legal representatives in a high-profile lawsuit involving former vice-president Atiku Abubakar to refrain from discussing the case publicly, including on social media. Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the directive during a hearing in Abuja on Tuesday, adjourning the case until September 28. The dispute centers on allegations that current President Bola Tinubu submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during his 2023 presidential campaign. If proven true, such a claim could lead to Tinubu's disqualification from the upcoming 2027 presidential election. The judge emphasized that all arguments related to the case must be presented in court rather than through public channels. He warned that any discussion of the matter outside the courtroom could result in severe consequences for the lawyers involved. This includes potential sanctions against them if they breach the order. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, involves Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and INEC as defendants. During the hearing, Omosanya Popoola appeared on behalf of Tinubu, while Joseph Onu, representing Atiku, informed the court that the plaintiffs had not yet served the president with the necessary legal documents. Onu explained that the plaintiffs insisted on personally serving Tinubu due to the sensitivity of the case. However, he stated that they would consider alternative methods if Tinubu formally agreed to receiving the documents via his legal representative. Counsel for INEC, Alex Iziyon, opposed the demand for personal service, stating that the presence of Tinubu's lawyer in court was sufficient evidence that the president was adequately represented. Iziyon also urged the court to expedite the process, noting that nearly 17 days had passed since the case was initially filed. He assured the court that INEC was ready to submit its defense within 10 days. Despite these developments, Justice Ekwo clarified that the court could not dictate how the plaintiffs should proceed with their case. After issuing the warning regarding public discussions, the judge adjourned the matter until September 28 for further consideration. Atiku and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are challenging Tinubu's eligibility to run for president again in 2027, citing the alleged submission of a forged NYSC certificate. They argue that the document submitted to INEC bore the name "Tinubu Bola Adekunle," suggesting that false information was provided to the electoral commission. Their argument hinges on Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows for the disqualification of candidates who present forged certificates to the electoral body. Separately, the late Dr Frederick Fasehun-led faction of the O’odua People’s Congress (OPC) has officially endorsed Tinubu's re-election bid for the 2027 presidential election. During the OPC's 32nd Founders' Day celebrations in Lagos, the organization declared its support for Tinubu's second term, echoing its previous role in securing his victory in 2023. OPC President Wasiu Afolabi emphasized the group's commitment to supporting Tinubu, drawing parallels to the historical context of the OPC's founding in response to the annulment of the 1993 presidential election. Afolabi reiterated the OPC's stance that any Yoruba individual holding political office should be considered a collective endeavor of the organization. He called on other regions to back Tinubu's re-election efforts, particularly highlighting the North's historical support for Tinubu during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Wale Oshun, chairman of the OPC’s Board of Trustees, underscored the organization's enduring legacy in Nigeria's democratic journey, attributing its resilience to the vision laid down by its founder, Dr Fasehun. The OPC continues to position itself as a key player in shaping the nation's political landscape, with its endorsement of Tinubu adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal and political challenges surrounding his eligibility for re-election.