The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Monday, May 26, to deliver its judgment on a suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election. Justice Peter Lifu scheduled the date after all participating parties adopted their respective briefs of argument.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was filed by an Abuja-based lawyer. It specifically asks the court to determine whether, under the combined provisions of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Jonathan is eligible to run for the office of the President under any circumstances.
The plaintiff is seeking several legal remedies, including:
- An injunction against Jonathan: A perpetual injunction restraining the former president from presenting himself to any political party for nomination ahead of the 2027 general elections or any future polls.
- An injunction against INEC: A restraint on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate.
- Enforcement by the AGF: A directive ordering the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to ensure strict compliance with the court’s ultimate decision.
In an affidavit of facts supporting the suit, deposed by Emmanuel Agida, the plaintiff argued that a 2027 victory would allow Jonathan to breach the statutory eight-year limit for Nigerian presidents. The plaintiff contended that since Jonathan completed the unexpired term of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full four-year term after winning the 2011 election, he has exhausted his constitutional two-tenure limit.
Furthermore, the affidavit warned that without timely court intervention, a political party might present Jonathan as a candidate. If elected and sworn in for a term spanning 2027 to 2031, it would mark the third time Jonathan takes the presidential oath of office, violating constitutional provisions.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), listed as the third defendant, aligned with former President Jonathan in asking the court to dismiss the suit. Both parties also requested that substantial financial costs be awarded against the plaintiff. Additionally, they opposed a separate motion filed by the plaintiff that had sought the recusal of Justice Lifu on allegations of bias.
Meanwhile, INEC did not send any legal representation and completely shunned the court proceedings. Justice Lifu concluded the session by announcing that rulings on all preliminary objections will be delivered alongside the final judgment on May 26.
