ABUJA – Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 15, 2026, for the definite hearing of a lawsuit aimed at preventing former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The suit, filed by legal practitioner Johnmary Jideobi, challenges Jonathan’s eligibility to run for the presidency again. However, proceedings on Monday were stalled due to the absence of both the plaintiff and his legal representation.
Absence in Court
When the case was called, neither Jideobi nor his lawyer was present to move the application. Justice Lifu expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of communication from the plaintiff’s team regarding their absence. Consequently, the judge adjourned the matter, warning that May 15 would be the final deadline for a definite hearing.
When the case was called, neither Jideobi nor his lawyer was present to move the application. Justice Lifu expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of communication from the plaintiff’s team regarding their absence. Consequently, the judge adjourned the matter, warning that May 15 would be the final deadline for a definite hearing.
The Legal Dispute
The plaintiff is seeking a judicial interpretation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), specifically regarding the tenure limits for individuals who have already been sworn in to the office of the President.
The plaintiff is seeking a judicial interpretation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), specifically regarding the tenure limits for individuals who have already been sworn in to the office of the President.
Jideobi argues that since Jonathan was sworn in to complete the term of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently won a full four-year term in 2011, a second full term would violate the constitutional spirit of term limits.
The case has drawn significant attention as political maneuvers for the 2027 general elections begin to take shape. Should the court proceed on the new date, it will determine whether the former president remains a legally viable candidate for the nation’s top office.
