Court Adjourns Suit Seeking To Bar Goodluck Jonathan From 2027 Election

Court Adjourns Suit Seeking To Bar Goodluck Jonathan From 2027 Election

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in a suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, shifting the case to May 11, 2026 for further hearing. The matter was adjourned by Justice Peter Lifu after procedural issues arose during Friday’s proceedings.

During the hearing, counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, informed the court that he had only just been served with a preliminary objection filed by the defence and therefore required additional time to respond. The judge agreed with the request, stressing the importance of ensuring that all parties are properly heard before the case proceeds on its merits.

Counsel to Jonathan, Chris Uche (SAN), told the court that he became aware of the suit through media reports before taking steps to formally file processes for his client. He also noted that the issue of Jonathan’s eligibility had previously been addressed by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, raising concerns about why the matter was being re-litigated.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who are listed as second and third respondents, were absent from the proceedings. Following this, Justice Lifu ordered that hearing notices be served on all parties to ensure proper participation at the next adjourned date.

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The suit was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to declare that Jonathan is not constitutionally eligible to contest for the presidency again. The plaintiff is also seeking an order restraining him from presenting himself as a candidate for any political party ahead of the 2027 general election, as well as preventing INEC from accepting or publishing his name as a presidential candidate.

At the centre of the legal dispute is the interpretation of Sections 1(1), 1(2), 1(3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which deal with constitutional authority, presidential tenure, and eligibility. The plaintiff argues that Jonathan’s previous assumption of office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, followed by his election and full term in 2011, disqualifies him from running again.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, Emmanuel Agida stated that the action was prompted by reports suggesting Jonathan may be considering a return to presidential politics in 2027. He further argued that allowing Jonathan to contest and potentially win would amount to taking the presidential oath of office for a third time, which he claims is unconstitutional.

Justice Lifu had earlier, on April 28, directed that hearing notices be issued to all defendants after noting that some respondents had yet to file their responses. With Friday’s adjournment, the court is expected to continue hearing the matter on May 11, 2026, as arguments over Jonathan’s eligibility intensify.

The case has continued to attract national attention, particularly amid political speculation about a possible comeback by the former president, even though he has not formally declared any intention to contest the 2027 election.

Court Adjourns Suit Seeking To Bar Goodluck Jonathan From 2027 Election