Court to Rule on Jonathan's 2027 Election Eligibility Suit

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, have requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit filed by lawyer Johnmari Jideobi, which seeks to bar Jonathan from contesting in the 2027 presidential election. Jideobi argues that Jonathan has exhausted his constitutional limits for presidential terms, having served a full term after succeeding late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

The case is set for a composite judgment on May 26, with Jideobi also seeking the recusal of Justice Peter Lifu from the matter. Jonathan's counsel, Chris Uche, has filed a counter affidavit and is seeking to dismiss the suit with a cost of N50 million, citing previous judgments that support their position.

The Ministry of Justice, represented by Dr. Maimuna Lamin Shiru, has also requested the court to dismiss Jideobi's claims, arguing that he lacks the standing to bring the suit.