Jonathan Seeks Court to Dismiss Suit on 2027 Eligibility

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has filed a request with the Federal High Court in Abuja to strike out a suit that seeks to disqualify him from the 2027 presidential election. The suit, initiated by Johnmari Jideobi, claims that Jonathan is ineligible to run due to having exhausted his constitutional term limits.

The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, adjourned the case to May 11 to allow the plaintiff to respond to Jonathan's counter-affidavit. However, on the scheduled date, neither Jideobi nor his lawyer, Ndubuisi Ukpai, appeared in court, prompting Jonathan's lawyer, Chief Chris Uche, to request the case be dismissed for lack of diligent prosecution.

Justice Lifu noted the plaintiff's absence without just cause and indicated a willingness to dismiss the suit if the plaintiff fails to show up again. The next hearing is set for May 15.

The plaintiff's suit argues that unless the court intervenes, Jonathan's candidacy would violate constitutional provisions.