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Lawyers disagree on service of Atiku’s suit against Tinubu’s eligibility for 2027 poll
NG🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive7 hr. ago

Lawyers disagree on service of Atiku’s suit against Tinubu’s eligibility for 2027 poll

Lawyers for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and current President Bola Tinubu have clashed over the proper method of serving legal documents in a lawsuit challenging Tinubu's eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election. The dispute occurred during a hearing before Judge Inyang Ekwo in the Federal High Court in Abuja. Atiku's legal team requested permission to serve Tinubu via substituted means after being unable to deliver the filings directly. Tinubu's lawyer, Omosanya Popoola, proposed accepting the documents on Tinubu's behalf but was asked to provide a written guarantee of authorization first. The court adjourned the case until September to resolve this procedural issue. The lawsuit, filed by Atiku and his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleges discrepancies in Tinubu's National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, claiming it bears a different name than the president's official identity. The plaintiffs argue this discrepancy may invalidate Tinubu's eligibility under constitutional and electoral laws.

7 reports

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentProgressiveFactual 70Objective 603 days ago
2027: Atiku claims Tinubu is 90 years old, sick

Atiku Abubakar, the opposition presidential candidate, claimed during interviews that President Bola Tinubu is 90 years old and in poor health, suggesting this could influence voter perception ahead of the 2027 election. The claims were made in Hausa and English interviews with the BBC, where Atiku questioned why voters accepted Tinubu's age while he himself remains active. Atiku previously celebrated Tinubu's 68th birthday in 2020, indicating a contradiction in his current stance. He asserted he has evidence to support his claim and plans to present it in court. The presidency has not yet responded to these allegations. Additionally, Atiku criticized Tinubu's handling of fuel subsidy removal, advocating for expert consultation, and promised to address national security and youth development if elected.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Atiku's claims about Tinubu's age as a strategic move to challenge Tinubu's eligibility and legitimacy, aligning with left-leaning narratives that question the fitness of older leaders. The emphasis on Atiku's health and vigor contrasts with Tinubu's alleged frailty, reinforcing a

Why factuality (70): The article reports on Atiku Abubakar's claim that President Tinubu is 90 years old, providing specific details such as the dates of previous birthday wishes and Tinubu's actual birthdate according to official records. However, it does not verify the accuracy of Atiku's claim beyond noting that Tinu

Why objectivity (60): The article presents Atiku's claim without clearly distinguishing between fact and assertion, allowing the reader to infer that the claim might be false given the known facts. The tone is somewhat dismissive of Atiku's claim, particularly through the mention of his 2020 birthday wishes, which could

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenter7 hr. ago
Lawyers disagree on service of Atiku’s suit against Tinubu’s eligibility for 2027 poll

Lawyers for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and current President Bola Tinubu have clashed over the proper method of serving legal documents in a lawsuit challenging Tinubu's eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election. The dispute occurred during a hearing before Judge Inyang Ekwo in the Federal High Court in Abuja. Atiku's legal team requested permission to serve Tinubu via substituted means after being unable to deliver the filings directly. Tinubu's lawyer, Omosanya Popoola, proposed accepting the documents on Tinubu's behalf but was asked to provide a written guarantee of authorization first. The court adjourned the case until September to resolve this procedural issue. The lawsuit, filed by Atiku and his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleges discrepancies in Tinubu's National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, claiming it bears a different name than the president's official identity. The plaintiffs argue this discrepancy may invalidate Tinubu's eligibility under constitutional and electoral laws.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a legal dispute regarding the eligibility of a sitting president to run for re-election, focusing on procedural disagreements between lawyers rather than taking a stance on the merits of the case or the political figures involved. It presents both sides' arguments neutrally,引用

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentCenter8 hr. ago
Don’t discuss Atiku’s ‘NYSC certificate forgery’ suit against Tinubu in media  —  Judge warns lawyers

A Nigerian federal high court judge has instructed legal representatives in a lawsuit aimed at disqualifying President Bola Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election not to discuss the case publicly or on social media. The case, initiated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), centers on allegations that Tinubu submitted a forged National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During a recent court session, the judge emphasized that all arguments must be made directly in court rather than through public channels. Counsel for both parties debated procedural matters regarding service of legal documents, with Atiku's team requesting direct delivery to Tinubu due to the sensitivity of the case. The court adjourned the matter until September 28.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a judicial ruling related to a legal challenge against a sitting president, focusing on procedural instructions from the court. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The content remains neutral in tone, presenting the judge's,

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentCenter23 hr. ago
2027: Tinubu is formidable politician but weak on governance — Donald Duke

Donald Duke, a former Cross River State Governor and presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration for its poor governance despite acknowledging his political strength. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Duke stated that Tinubu has lost public support due to worsening economic conditions and disillusionment among citizens. He emphasized that while Tinubu remains a formidable politician, his governance has been ineffective, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Duke warned that unless the opposition unites and prepares for potential challenges on election day, Tinubu might win even with a minority of the vote. Additionally, Duke indicated willingness to withdraw from the presidential race if other opposition candidates are deemed more capable of challenging Tinubu.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a critical perspective on President Bola Tinubu's governance but does not exhibit overtly biased language or one-sided sourcing. It quotes Donald Duke directly, providing his views without editorializing or favoring one side over the other. The content focuses on analyzing Tinub

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentProgressiveyesterday
Tinubu, Idris, and a whole new 2027 campaign, by Suleiman A. Suleiman

The article discusses the evolving nature of Nigeria's upcoming 2027 presidential campaign, highlighting a significant shift from past elections where policy and voter engagement played minor roles. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is noted for running a sophisticated campaign that challenges President Bola Tinubu's administration by questioning the effectiveness of Tinubu's reforms and engaging directly with voters through media appearances and town halls. This strategy has pressured Tinubu to make policy adjustments, such as reducing transport fares and introducing a social protection program, which could be interpreted as policy reversals favoring Atiku. The article argues that Tinubu's previous strategies, including coalition-building and state control, have failed, necessitating a new approach focused on quiet persuasion rather than confrontational tactics. It also critiques the legacy of colonial-era government communication practices in Nigeria.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Atiku's campaign as a positive challenge to Tinubu's administration, emphasizing direct voter engagement and policy clarity. It criticizes Tinubu's communication style as overly aggressive ('dogs and doves') and suggests a shift toward quieter, more persuasive methods. The tone is

The Punch logoThe PunchIndependentConservative2 days ago
Fasehun’s OPC backs Tinubu’s re-election bid

The late Dr. Frederick Fasehun's faction within the O’odua People’s Congress (OPC) has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 presidential election. This declaration occurred during the group's 32nd Founders' Day celebration and the inauguration of a new National Executive Council in Lagos. Hundreds of OPC members attended the event, where the re-elected president of the OPC, Mr. Wasiu Afolabi, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting Tinubu's re-election, echoing past efforts during his 2023 campaign. Afolabi emphasized the importance of aligning with any Yoruba leader in office, citing Dr. Fasehun's philosophy, and called for regional support, particularly from the North, to aid Tinubu's reform agenda. The statement also referenced the historical context of the OPC's founding in 1994, linking it to the struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the endorsement of Tinubu as a continuation of the OPC's mission and legacy, emphasizing loyalty to a Yoruba leader and referencing historical struggles for democracy. It highlights the organization's alignment with Tinubu's policies and calls for regional cooperation, which leans

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentProgressive2 days ago
‘Nigeria is burning’ — Atiku faults Tinubu for embarking on Europe vacation

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar criticized President Bola Tinubu for taking a three-week vacation in Europe amid Nigeria's ongoing economic and security crises. Atiku accused Tinubu of creating a 'disturbing vacuum of political leadership' by absenting himself from the country during times of hardship, contrasting his own international travels with Tinubu's responsibilities as president. He highlighted issues such as soaring fuel prices, food shortages, and transportation costs, emphasizing that these challenges require the president's direct involvement. Atiku also pointed out that Vice-President Kashim Shettima was away on official duties, making Tinubu's absence more puzzling. Using a metaphor of a house on fire, he argued that leaders should stay with their people during crises rather than prioritize personal travel.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames President Tinubu's vacation as irresponsible and politically damaging, using strong language like 'burning,' 'vacuum of leadership,' and 'boarding pass over the fire extinguisher.' The focus is on criticizing the administration's handling of national crises, which aligns with left

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