- The judge observed that the defendants had not yet submitted their counter-affidavits
- the plaintiff contends that the former president is not eligible to run again under the Constitution
- He argued that Jonathan had already exhausted the maximum number of terms allowed
Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday postponed proceedings in a case seeking to bar former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, fixing May 8 for hearing.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the case, which was listed for mention, was adjourned by Justice Peter Lifu, who also ordered that hearing notices be issued and properly served on all defendants.
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The judge observed that the defendants had not yet submitted their counter-affidavits and directed that all required legal documents be filed and exchanged before the next hearing date.
The suit was filed by a legal practitioner, Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction preventing Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential race.
In the suit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, the plaintiff contends that the former president is not eligible to run again under the Constitution.
He also requested that the court restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate for the election.
Both INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation were listed as defendants in the matter.
Jideobi, relying on provisions of Sections 1(1), (2) and (3), as well as Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, urged the court to determine Jonathan’s eligibility to seek the presidency again.
He argued that Jonathan had already exhausted the maximum number of terms allowed, having first completed the remaining tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later serving a full term after winning the 2011 election.
According to the plaintiff, there are signs that Jonathan may join the 2027 race, warning that failure to address the issue promptly could result in a constitutional violation.
He further cautioned that, without timely judicial intervention, a political party might present Jonathan as its candidate in the upcoming election.
In a supporting affidavit sworn by Emmanuel Agida, the plaintiff stated that the case was brought in the public interest to uphold constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
He maintained that allowing Jonathan to contest and potentially win would mean taking the oath of office for a third time, which he argued contravenes constitutional limits.
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