Court Sets Hearing on Jonathan’s 2027 Presidential Eligibility Case

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit challenging his eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The request was made on Monday by Jonathan’s lawyer, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), before Justice Peter Lifu.

The plaintiff, lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, did not appear for the scheduled hearing, nor did the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), who are listed as defendants.

Uche told the court that the case should be dismissed for lack of diligent prosecution, suggesting that N5 million in costs be awarded against the plaintiff.

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He argued that, as a legal practitioner, Jideobi should have either prosecuted the case properly or informed the court of his inability to attend.

However, Justice Lifu declined the request, noting there was no proof that hearing notices had been served on INEC and the AGF before Monday’s session.

The judge said he would accommodate the absent parties one last time to ensure fairness and adjourned the matter to May 15.

He also ordered that hearing notices be properly served on all parties ahead of the next session.

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The suit seeks to stop Jonathan from presenting himself as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Jideobi asked the court to prevent INEC from processing or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate.

The plaintiff argued that Jonathan had already served the maximum two terms allowed under the constitution, citing his succession of late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2010 and his subsequent four-year term after the 2011 election.

An affidavit filed in support of the suit explained that Jonathan assumed office on May 6, 2010, following Yar’Adua’s death.

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The plaintiff claims that if Jonathan contests and wins in 2027, it would breach constitutional limits and undermine Nigeria’s legal framework.

The affidavit stressed that the case was filed in the public interest to preserve the supremacy of the constitution and protect the country’s democratic order.

Jonathan has previously stated that he is still consulting on whether to contest the 2027 presidential election.

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