Court Sets May 15 Deadline in Suit Seeking Jonathan’s 2027 Disqualification

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 15, 2026 as the final date for hearing a case that seeks to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from taking part in the 2027 presidential election.

The decision was made by Justice Peter Lifu after the lawyer who filed the case, Johnmary Jideobi, failed to appear in court along with his counsel, without giving any reason. The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation were also absent.

Because of the absence of the parties, counsel to Jonathan, Chris Uche, asked the court to dismiss the case, saying it appeared to have been abandoned and that the court should not waste time on it.

He also asked that costs be awarded against the plaintiff.The judge noted that there was no proof that hearing notices were properly served on some of the defendants. He said this made it difficult to proceed fully with the matter at that stage.Justice Lifu decided not to strike out the case but gave a final opportunity for all parties to appear and be properly served.

He ordered that hearing notices be issued again and set May 15 for definite hearing.The suit is asking the court to stop Jonathan from contesting any presidential election again. It also wants INEC restrained from accepting or publishing his name as a candidate.

The plaintiff argues that Jonathan has already used up the constitutional limit allowed for a president, saying he completed a full term after the 2011 election and earlier took over after the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010.

He is also asking the court to interpret sections of the 1999 Constitution to determine if Jonathan is still eligible to run for president.The case remains before the court and is expected to continue on the new date set in May.