The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 26 to deliver judgment in the suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter for judgment on Monday after parties in the case adopted their final written addresses.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Jonathan urged the court to dismiss the suit and award heavy costs against the plaintiff, an Abuja-based lawyer who instituted the action.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which was listed as a defendant in the matter, had no legal representation in court.
Plaintiff Seeks to Bar Jonathan From Contesting
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, is asking the court to determine whether Jonathan is constitutionally qualified to seek election as president again in 2027.
The plaintiff argued that Jonathan had already exhausted the constitutional limit of two terms after completing the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently winning the 2011 presidential election.
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Among the reliefs sought is an order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a presidential candidate in 2027 or any future election.
The plaintiff also asked the court to stop INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate for any presidential election.
AGF, Jonathan Oppose Suit
Jonathan and the AGF opposed the suit and also challenged a separate application seeking the recusal of the trial judge over alleged bias.
They maintained that the case lacked merit and should be dismissed.
The court said it would rule on all preliminary objections together with the substantive judgment on May 26.
Plaintiff Raises Constitutional Argument
In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, the plaintiff argued that if Jonathan contests and wins the 2027 election, he would exceed the constitutional maximum of eight years in office permitted for a Nigerian president.
The affidavit stated that Jonathan’s completion of Yar’Adua’s tenure and his subsequent four-year mandate after the 2011 election amounted to two terms in office.
The plaintiff further contended that allowing Jonathan to contest again could breach constitutional provisions relating to presidential tenure limits.
DSS Case Against Jonathan Mentioned in Proceedings
Although unrelated to the current suit, court proceedings also referenced public debates surrounding constitutional interpretation and political succession.
Jonathan has yet to formally declare interest in the 2027 presidential race, despite growing calls from some political groups urging him to return to active politics.
Meanwhile, the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki is set to screen former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential aspirant ahead of the party’s primaries for the 2027 general elections.
The faction disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, announcing that the screening of aspirants for various elective positions would begin on Tuesday at 10 a.m.
According to the party, a total of 2,122 aspirants for state Houses of Assembly, 748 House of Representatives hopefuls, 198 senatorial aspirants, 112 governorship contenders and one presidential aspirant are expected to undergo screening.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.