A Federal High Court in Abuja is scheduled to deliver a ruling on Friday regarding a suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan's eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election. The case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was initiated by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who seeks a declaration that Jonathan is constitutionally barred from seeking the presidency again.
Defendants in the Suit
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is named as the first defendant in the suit. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation are listed as the second and third defendants, respectively. Justice Peter Lifu had earlier ordered that hearing notices be served on the defendants on April 28 after they reportedly failed to respond within the required timeframe.
Plaintiff's Requests
The plaintiff is asking the court to restrain Jonathan from presenting himself as a presidential candidate to any political party for the 2027 election. Additionally, Jideobi urges the court to prevent INEC from accepting, processing, or publishing Jonathan's name should he emerge as a candidate.
Constitutional Interpretation at Stake
According to the originating suit, the court must determine whether Jonathan remains eligible to contest under Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution. The plaintiff argues that Jonathan has already exhausted the constitutional limit after completing the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and subsequently serving a full four-year term following the 2011 election.
Affidavit Details
An affidavit supporting the suit, deposed to by Emmanuel Agida, states that Jonathan assumed office on May 6, 2010, after Yar'Adua's death. The affidavit asserts: "The plaintiff believes that the 1st defendant, having completed the unexpired term of late President Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full term after the 2011 election, has exhausted the constitutional limit of two tenures as president." The plaintiff further contends that allowing Jonathan to contest and potentially win would result in him taking the presidential oath of office for a third time.
Public Interest Case
According to the affidavit, the suit was filed in the public interest to protect constitutional order and uphold the supremacy of the law. The plaintiff argues that unless the court intervenes, a political party could nominate Jonathan in alleged violation of constitutional provisions.
Jonathan's Reported Consultations
This development comes amid reports that the former president is consulting widely on the possibility of participating in the 2027 presidential election. Jonathan had reportedly stated on Thursday that consultations were ongoing regarding whether he would join the race.
Previous Meeting with Tinubu
Legit.ng previously reported that former Nigerian leader Goodluck Jonathan visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, in what officials described as part of ongoing consultations on regional and continental issues. The meeting, which took place around 4pm, has drawn attention as both leaders continue to engage on West African political developments and Nigeria's diplomatic role within the region.
