Court Orders AGF, INEC in Jonathan's 2027 Eligibility Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has taken a significant step in the legal battle concerning former President Goodluck Jonathan's eligibility to participate in the 2027 presidential race. The court ordered the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to appear in response to a lawsuit initiated by legal practitioner Johnmari Jideobi.

The case seeks judicial interpretation of the permanent disqualification of Jonathan based on Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which addresses term limits for individuals assuming the presidency following the death or resignation of a predecessor. Jideobi argues that Jonathan, who served a full four-year term after succeeding the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, has exhausted his constitutional eligibility.

The plaintiff contends that allowing Jonathan to run would violate the spirit of the law intended to prevent a single individual from holding office for the equivalent of two full terms. During recent proceedings, the court opted to adjourn rather than dismiss the case, emphasizing the need for federal agencies to present legal representation at the next hearing, as the outcome could set a significant precedent regarding term limits for former leaders in Nigeria's evolving democracy.