COURT ADJOURNS SUIT CHALLENGING GOODLUCK JONATHAN’S 2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELIGIBILITY
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned until May 11, 2026, a suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, granted the adjournment following a request by the plaintiff’s counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, who stated that he had only recently received a preliminary objection from the defence and required time to respond.
The case seeks judicial clarification on whether Jonathan is constitutionally permitted to run for president again under the 1999 Constitution, a question that has continued to generate legal and political debate.
During proceedings, counsel to Jonathan, Chris Uche (SAN), told the court he only became aware of the suit through media reports and had since taken steps to ensure proper filing of all necessary legal processes on behalf of his client.
Uche also referenced earlier judicial decisions, noting that similar issues regarding Jonathan’s eligibility had been addressed by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, and questioned why the matter was being revisited.
The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation, listed as second and third respondents, were absent from court.
After hearing submissions, Justice Lifu ordered that hearing notices be properly served on all respondents and adjourned the case to the new date.
The suit was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to declare that Jonathan is not constitutionally qualified to contest another presidential election.
He is also seeking an order preventing Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate for the 2027 elections, as well as a directive stopping INEC from accepting or publishing his name as a presidential candidate.
Central to the case is an interpretation of sections of the 1999 Constitution, particularly whether Jonathan, having served as acting president following the death of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010 and later completing a full term after the 2011 election, is eligible to run again.
The plaintiff argues that a further presidential bid would amount to a third oath of office, which he claims is prohibited by the Constitution.
Justice Lifu had previously directed that all parties be duly served hearing notices after noting that some defendants had not yet responded.
With the adjournment, the court will return to the constitutional dispute on May 11, 2026, as the legal challenge over Jonathan’s eligibility continues in Abuja.
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