The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 26 for the delivery of judgment in a case challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu set the date after all parties had filed and adopted their briefs of argument.
Alignment on defense and absence of representation
During the proceedings, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi, listed as a defendant, aligned with Jonathan in seeking the dismissal of the suit.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not participate in the case, citing a lack of legal representation.
Both Jonathan and the AGF requested the court to award substantial costs against the plaintiff, an Abuja-based lawyer, and opposed a motion seeking the judge’s recusal over alleged bias.
Constitutional boundaries and requested reliefs
The plaintiff, in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, asked the court to determine whether Jonathan is eligible to contest for the office of president under the combined provisions of Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The suit seeks several reliefs, including perpetual injunctions restraining Jonathan from being presented as a presidential candidate by any political party. It also seeks to bar INEC from accepting or publishing his candidacy, and to direct the AGF to enforce the decision of the court.
In an affidavit supporting the suit, the plaintiff argued that Jonathan, having completed the unexpired term of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and served a full term following the 2011 election, would exceed the constitutionally permissible two-term limit if elected in 2027.
Final rulings deferred to judgment day
The plaintiff maintained that a third term would constitute a breach of Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
Justice Lifu stated that rulings on all objections raised in the suit would be delivered alongside the final judgment.
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