Court to Hear Suit Against Jonathan's 2027 Candidacy

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing for May 8, 2025, regarding a suit aimed at preventing former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in the 2027 presidential election. The suit, filed by lawyer Johnmari Jideobi, requests the court to declare Jonathan constitutionally ineligible to run for the presidency again.

Justice Peter Lifu ordered the hearing on April 28, 2025, after a notice was issued to the defendants, which include the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation. The plaintiff argues that Jonathan has already exhausted his constitutional limit of two terms, having completed the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and subsequently winning the presidential election in 2011.

An affidavit submitted by Emmanuel Agida supports the suit, asserting that Jonathan's potential candidacy would violate the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. The plaintiff seeks a court order to restrain Jonathan from presenting himself as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.