Jonathan Challenges Suit Over Eligibility For 2027 Election

Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit seeking to disqualify him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Jonathan, through his counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), made the request yesterday before Justice Peter Lifu shortly after the matter came up for hearing.

The former president’s lawyer informed the court that a conditional appearance, notice of preliminary objection, counter affidavit and written address had already been filed on May 5, 2026, urging the court to strike out the suit.

According to Uche, Jonathan only became aware of the case through media reports, prompting his legal team to respond swiftly due to the significance of the matter, which centres on his eligibility to seek election in 2027.

The senior advocate argued that the suit ought not to have been filed, maintaining that courts had previously determined similar issues from the Federal High Court up to the Court of Appeal.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, however, told the court that the matter was scheduled for mention and that he had just been served with Jonathan’s processes in court. He subsequently requested more time to study and respond to the filings.

Following submissions by both parties, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until May 11 for hearing of the preliminary objection and the substantive suit.

The judge also directed that hearing notices be issued and served on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, listed as the 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively, following their absence in court.

The suit was instituted by Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, who is seeking an order barring Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential election.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, the plaintiff asked the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining the former president from presenting himself to any political party for nomination ahead of the election.

Jideobi also prayed the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate nominated by any political party for the 2027 poll.

Jonathan was listed as the first defendant in the matter, while the electoral commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation were joined as the 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.