The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a strict gag order prohibiting all legal counsel involved in the controversial lawsuit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election from discussing the ongoing case in the media or on social media platforms.
The presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, handed down the directive, warning that any legal practitioner who violates this court order will face severe disciplinary actions for professional misconduct.
Preserving Judicial Integrity: The Court’s Stance
Justice Abdulmalik made it clear that the courtroom, not public or digital spaces, is the only appropriate venue for legal arguments. The court expressed deep dissatisfaction with lawyers who take active, sensitive court cases to the internet to run parallel public commentary and influence public opinion.
According to the judge, any lawyer who wishes to present arguments regarding the President's eligibility must do so strictly through their filed legal processes and addresses before the court.
Background of the Eligibility Lawsuit
The strict judicial warning comes amid a high-stakes legal challenge aimed at stopping President Bola Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
- The Plaintiffs: The suit was instituted by a group of concerned citizens—including Haruna Abubakar, Umaru Muazu, and Abdullahi Usman Baballah—who are seeking a judicial interpretation regarding the President's qualification for a second term.
- The Defendants: The lawsuit joins President Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as key defendants.
The Adjournment
The court has adjourned the matter until October 2026 to allow all parties involved to properly serve and reply to the necessary legal documents. Until then, all legal representatives tied to the case have been forced into total digital silence regarding the proceedings.
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