Jonathan Challenges Suit Over 2027 Poll Eligibility
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday challenged a suit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi seeking to bar him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan, through his counsel, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, informed Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja shortly after the matter was called for hearing.
Uche told the court that on May 5, they had filed a letter of conditional appearance, notice of preliminary objection, counter-affidavit, and written address, urging dismissal of the suit.
He explained they learned of the case through media reports, prompting urgent filing due to its implications for the former president's eligibility in the upcoming election.
The senior lawyer noted it was unfortunate that a fellow lawyer filed the suit, as the issue had already been decided by the Federal High Court and upheld up to the Court of Appeal.
Earlier, the plaintiff's counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, informed the court the matter was listed for mention but he had just been served with Jonathan's processes. He requested more time to respond.
Justice Lifu adjourned the case to May 11 at 2 p.m. for hearing of the ex-president's objection and the substantive suit.
The judge also ordered hearing notices to be issued and served on INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)—the 2nd and 3rd defendants—who were absent.
Johnmary Jideobi filed the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025 and dated October 6, 2025, praying the court to bar Jonathan from contesting the 2027 poll.
Citing constitutional grounds, Jideobi sought a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate.
He also urged the court to restrain INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan's name as a duly nominated candidate from any party.
Jideobi named former President Jonathan as 1st defendant, with INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation as 2nd and 3rd defendants, respectively.
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