Court Fixes May 15 for Hearing in Suit Seeking to Bar Jonathan from 2027 Presidential Race
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned to May 15 for definite hearing in a suit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, seeking to restrain former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
At Monday’s sitting, neither the plaintiff nor his counsel appeared in court, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), both defendants in the matter, were also absent.
Counsel to Jonathan, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of diligent prosecution and award N5 million costs against the plaintiff, arguing that the case had been abandoned after preliminary objections were raised.
Justice Lifu, however, noted that there was no evidence of service of hearing notices on INEC and the AGF, stressing that proper service is fundamental. He therefore declined to strike out the matter, opting instead to adjourn for a final opportunity to hear all parties.
The plaintiff is asking the court to declare Jonathan ineligible to contest, citing constitutional provisions that limit a president to two terms. He contends that Jonathan, having completed the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently serving a full four-year term after the 2011 election, has exhausted the constitutional limit.
The case will now proceed on May 15, with the court ordering that hearing notices be duly served on all absent parties.
