Abuja — A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday adjourned until May 11 a lawsuit seeking to bar former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Former President Jonathan, through his counsel Chief Chris Uche (SAN), filed a preliminary objection asking the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that the issues raised have already been settled by previous court decisions.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi. It contends that Mr. Jonathan is ineligible to run again for the presidency on constitutional grounds.
At Friday’s proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu, Mr. Uche informed the court that a notice of preliminary objection, counter-affidavit and written address had been filed on May 5. He urged the court to hear and determine the objection alongside the substantive suit.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Ukpai, requested additional time to respond to the new filings. Justice Lifu subsequently adjourned the matter to Monday, May 11, 2026, at 2 p.m., for hearing of both the preliminary objection and the main suit.
The court also directed that fresh hearing notices be served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation, who are listed as defendants in the matter.
Mr. Jonathan has not publicly declared his intention to run in 2027. However, growing speculation about a possible comeback has intensified political maneuvering within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and across Nigeria’s political landscape.
Legal experts note that the case centers on interpretations of constitutional term limits and whether Mr. Jonathan’s previous tenure as president — which included completing the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s term — bars him from another bid.
NNH News Corp will continue to monitor developments in this high-profile political and legal dispute.
