Court Sets May 26 to Decide Jonathan’s Eligibility for the 2027 Presidency

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA – The Federal High Court in Abuja scheduled a judgment for May 26 in the case that challenges former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Peter Lifu set the date after all parties filed their briefs of argument.

The Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF), who is named as a defendant, joined former President Jonathan in seeking dismissal of the suit. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also listed as a defendant, declined to defend the case, stating it had no representation in court.

Both the AGF and Jonathan requested that the court award substantial costs against the plaintiff, an Abuja‑based lawyer, and opposed a motion that sought the judge’s recusal on grounds of bias.

The plaintiff’s suit, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, asked the court to decide whether, under Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and their combined interpretation, the first defendant is eligible to contest for the presidency under any circumstances.

The plaintiff also sought several orders, including:

• A perpetual injunction preventing Goodluck Ebele Jonathan from presenting himself to any Nigerian political party for nomination as a presidential candidate in 2027 and future elections.
• A perpetual injunction preventing INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate for the 2027 election and beyond.
• An order directing the Honourable Attorney‑General of the Federation to enforce the court’s decisions and orders.

In an affidavit submitted by Emmanuel Agida, the plaintiff argued that if Jonathan were elected in 2027, he would exceed the statutory maximum of eight years in office. The plaintiff stated:

“The Plaintiff believes that the first defendant, having completed the unexpired term of late President Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full term after the 2011 election, has exhausted the constitutional limit of two tenures as President.”

“If the court does not intervene in a timely manner, a political party may present the first defendant as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, thereby breaching the Constitution.”

“Should the first defendant be elected and sworn in 2027, it would be his third time taking the oath of office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Justice Lifu indicated that the ruling on the objections to the suit would be issued together with the judgment.

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