The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to deliver judgment on Friday in a case challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election. The suit was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who asked the court to stop Jonathan from taking part in the race based on constitutional arguments.
The matter has drawn attention because it concerns whether the former Nigerian leader can legally return to contest for the presidency in the next general election. The case is being handled by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
During earlier proceedings, Jonathan’s legal team asked the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that similar issues had already been decided by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in the past. His lawyer, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), informed the court that the former president only became aware of the case through media reports before filing the necessary legal documents to challenge it.
The lawyer also argued that the suit lacked merit and should not continue since previous judgments had already addressed the issue. Jonathan’s team further maintained that the court should strike out the matter because the plaintiff and some other parties repeatedly failed to appear in court.
The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation were also listed among the parties involved in the case. However, proceedings faced delays after the plaintiff and other parties were absent during two separate court sittings.
The repeated absence of the parties led the court to warn that costs could be awarded against the plaintiff. Despite requests by Jonathan’s lawyer for the suit to be struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, Justice Lifu refused to end the case immediately. The judge explained that all parties deserved one final opportunity in line with fair hearing principles.
The court later ordered fresh hearing notices to be served on the plaintiff, INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation before fixing the matter for judgment.
Friday’s judgment is expected to determine whether Jonathan can legally participate in the 2027 presidential election if he eventually decides to contest. The ruling may also shape political discussions ahead of the next election cycle as parties and aspirants continue consultations across the country.