Court sets May 26 judgment in Jonathan 2027 eligibility case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set May 26, 2026, as the date for judgment in a case that challenges former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Peter Lifu announced the date on Monday after all parties filed their final written submissions.

The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was brought by an Abuja‑based lawyer who asked the court to interpret constitutional provisions on presidential term limits and to determine whether Jonathan remains qualified to contest again.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Jonathan both urged the court to dismiss the case and award substantial costs to the plaintiff. They also opposed a motion to recuse the judge on grounds of alleged bias.

The core issue before the court is the interpretation of Sections 1(1), (2) and (3), and Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), specifically whether Jonathan is eligible “under any circumstances whatsoever” to contest the presidency.

The plaintiff also seeks a perpetual injunction preventing Jonathan from presenting himself for nomination by any political party for the 2027 election and beyond, and an order stopping the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting or publishing his name as a candidate.

In an affidavit, the plaintiff argued that Jonathan would exceed the constitutional maximum of eight years in office if he were to serve another term beginning in 2027.

He maintained that Jonathan, having completed the unexpired term of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later serving a full term after the 2011 election, has already exhausted the constitutional limit of two terms as president.

The plaintiff warned that failure of the court to intervene could lead to a situation where a political party fields Jonathan as its candidate, resulting in what he described as a third oath of office.

Justice Lifu further stated that rulings on all preliminary objections in the matter will be delivered alongside the final judgment scheduled for May 26.