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Court hears Jonathan’s objection to suit seeking to block 2027 presidential bid
Jonathan’s legal team argues that his eligibility to contest has already been settled by higher courts.
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.
Jonathan’s lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), informed Justice Peter Lifu that all necessary legal responses had been filed, including a preliminary objection and counter-affidavit submitted on May 5.
He told the court that the defence team only became aware of the suit through media reports and acted promptly thereafter.
Uche argued that the question of Jonathan’s eligibility had already been settled by appellate courts, including the Court of Appeal.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, said he had just received the defence documents and requested time to reply.
The court adjourned proceedings to May 11 for hearing on both the objection and the main suit.
Justice Lifu also directed that hearing notices be served on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation, who were not present.
The suit, filed by Johnmary Jideobi, seeks to stop Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election and to restrain INEC from accepting or publishing his name as a candidate.
The plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether Jonathan is still eligible to run under Sections 1 and 137(3) of the Constitution, given his previous tenure as president.
He argued that Jonathan completed the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010 and later served a full elected term after the 2011 election.
In an affidavit, Emmanuel Agida said the case was filed in the public interest to prevent a constitutional violation.
The affidavit further claimed that reports indicated Jonathan may be considering a return to the presidential race in 2027.
The plaintiff maintained that Jonathan has already served two terms and is therefore ineligible for another bid.
“That if the court does not intervene timeously, a political party may present the 1st defendant as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, thereby breaching the Constitution.”
The suit also asked the court to compel relevant authorities to ensure compliance with its eventual ruling and protect constitutional governance.
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