Court to Rule on Jonathan's 2027 Presidential Bid Suit

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, alongside Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to bar him from contesting in the 2027 presidential election. The case, brought by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmari Jideobi, questions Jonathan's eligibility based on constitutional provisions, asserting that he has already exhausted his term limits after assuming office in 2010 and winning a full term in 2011.

The presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, has scheduled a judgment for May 26. Jonathan's counsel, Chris Uche, argued that the suit lacks merit and is politically motivated, requesting a cost of N50 million against the plaintiff.

Uche emphasized that constitutional amendments regarding term limits do not apply retroactively to Jonathan's case. The plaintiff's counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, countered that registration as a voter is not a requirement to file such a case, urging the court to dismiss the objections raised.