Lawyer Seeks Court Order to Restrain Ex‑President Jonathan from 2027 Presidential Contest
A legal practitioner, Johnmary Jideobi, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain former President Goodluck Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party in Nigeria for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, lists Jonathan as the first defendant, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF) are joined as the second and third defendants, respectively.
In his originating processes, Jideobi prayed the court for an order restraining INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated candidate of any political party for the 2027 presidential election.
An affidavit in support of the suit, deposed to by one Emmanuel Agida, described the plaintiff as an advocate of constitutionalism and the rule of law. The affidavit emphasized the plaintiff’s interest in ensuring strict adherence to constitutional provisions governing presidential tenure.
The plaintiff contended that if Jonathan were permitted to contest and win the 2027 election, his tenure from 2027 to 2031 would cause him to exceed the constitutionally prescribed maximum of eight years in office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Accordingly, Jideobi urged the court to determine whether, in light of the combined provisions of Sections 1(1), (2) and (3), and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Jonathan remains eligible under any circumstances to contest for the office of President.
The reliefs sought include: a declaration that Jonathan is constitutionally ineligible to contest or occupy the office of President; a declaration that INEC lacks the power to accept or publish his name as a candidate in 2027 or any subsequent election; an order of perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself for nomination; and a consequential order directing the Attorney‑General of the Federation to ensure compliance with the court’s decision.
The suit comes against the backdrop of renewed calls by opposition figures urging Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race. While Jonathan has not publicly declared his intention, the Presidency recently issued a statement suggesting he could contest against President Tinubu, though it added that he would be haunted by what it described as his “disastrous” past record in office.
