- A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit seeking to disqualify former President Goodluck Jonathan from the 2027 presidential race, ordering fresh hearing notices for the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and INEC.
- Justice Peter Lifu declined a request by Jonathan’s legal team to dismiss the case for lack of diligent prosecution after the plaintiff and other defendants failed to appear in court on Monday.
- The suit, filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, argues that Jonathan has already exhausted the two-term constitutional limit by completing late President Yar’Adua’s tenure and serving a subsequent full term.
The legal battle surrounding the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 general elections took a fresh turn on Monday.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Jonathan’s lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), urged the court to strike out the suit, citing the absence of the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation.
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Uche argued that the suit was a distraction and characterized the plaintiff’s absence as a failure to diligently prosecute a matter in which issues had already been joined.
Despite the defense’s request for dismissal and a ₦5 million cost award, Justice Peter Lifu opted for caution.
The judge noted that there was no proof that INEC and the AGF had been properly served with hearing notices for the day’s proceedings.
In the interest of justice, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until May 15, 2026, for a definite hearing, ensuring all parties are officially notified before the court makes a determination.
The core of the legal dispute rests on Sections 1(1) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
The plaintiff contends that since Jonathan was sworn in as President on May 6, 2010, following Umaru Yar’Adua’s death and subsequently won the 2011 election, any further term would result in him taking the oath of office for a third time.
While Jonathan has stated he is still consulting on a potential run, the court’s eventual ruling will be a landmark decision regarding constitutional term limits and the eligibility of former leaders who assumed office mid-tenure.
