The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 8 to hear a suit seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in the 2027 presidential election.
The case, which came up for mention, was adjourned by Justice Peter Lifu for substantive hearing.
Justice Lifu directed that hearing notices be issued and served on all defendants, who are yet to file their responses to the suit.
The court emphasized the need for proper legal procedures ahead of the next hearing date.L
The case was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is seeking a court order to bar Jonathan from contesting in the 2027 election.
The plaintiff also asked the court to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting Jonathan’s nomination from any political party.
The suit lists:
* Goodluck Jonathan as the 1st defendant
* INEC as the 2nd defendant
* The Attorney-General of the Federation as the 3rd defendant
The plaintiff argues that Jonathan is constitutionally ineligible to run again based on provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
He cited sections relating to tenure limits, claiming Jonathan has already completed the maximum period allowed for a president.
Jonathan first assumed office in 2010 after the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, completing the remaining term.
He was later elected and served a full term beginning in 2011.
The plaintiff contends that a fresh bid in 2027 would exceed constitutional limits on tenure.
The suit was filed in what the plaintiff described as a bid to protect constitutional integrity and uphold the rule of law.
He warned that allowing Jonathan to contest could create a constitutional breach and set a controversial precedent.
