Court Strikes Out Suit Seeking to Bar Jonathan From 2027 Presidential Race
A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit seeking to prevent former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, affirming that he remains eligible to run based on earlier judicial decisions and imposing a N20 million fine on the plaintiff for lack of merit.
The court held that previous judgments delivered by the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and upheld by the Court of Appeal had already resolved the question of Jonathan’s constitutional eligibility to contest another presidential election.
The presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, dismissed the suit and awarded a N20 million fine against the plaintiff, describing the case as lacking merit.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present in court during the delivery of the judgment.
The case is expected to intensify political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections amid ongoing speculation over Jonathan’s possible return to active politics.
Jonathan, through his counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), challenged the competence of the suit filed by Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, when the matter came up before the court.
His legal team told the court that it had already filed a conditional appearance, a preliminary objection, counter affidavit and written address on May 5, 2026, urging the court to dismiss the suit.
Uche argued that Jonathan only became aware of the case through media reports and was compelled to respond urgently due to the sensitive nature of the allegations concerning his eligibility.
He further described the suit as unnecessary and legally defective, insisting that the issue had already been settled by earlier judicial pronouncements up to the Court of Appeal.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, told the court that the matter was initially slated for mention but said he had just been served with Jonathan’s processes and would need time to respond.
The court ordered that hearing notices be served on INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation, who were listed as second and third defendants but were absent from proceedings.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jideobi sought a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The plaintiff also asked the court to restrain INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated presidential candidate.
The legal dispute comes amid increasing political speculation over Jonathan’s potential return to the presidential race.
Jonathan had earlier responded to calls urging him to contest, saying presidential ambition should not be taken lightly while noting that he would consult widely before making a decision.
He was quoted as saying, “Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely. But the most important thing is in Nigeria, that the young people will have hope.”
Meanwhile, the Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently granted Jonathan an automatic ticket for the 2027 presidential election.
The party’s decision, announced during its presidential screening exercise in Abuja, exempted him from the usual screening and nomination processes.
Former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, said the waiver effectively made Jonathan the party’s consensus candidate ahead of the election.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
