Former President Goodluck Jonathan has challenged a lawsuit seeking to bar him from contesting the 2027 presidential election. The suit was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to issue a perpetual injunction preventing Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for the election. Jideobi also urged the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan's name as a candidate. The case, filed on October 6, 2025, names Jonathan as the 1st defendant, INEC as the 2nd, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as the 3rd.
Jonathan's lawyer, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, appeared before Justice Peter Lifu on May 5 and filed a conditional appearance, a notice of preliminary objection, a counter affidavit, and a written address. Uche stated the processes were filed urgently after learning of the suit through the media. He argued the matter had already been decided by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, making the current action legally redundant.
Plaintiff's counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, informed the court the matter was initially for mention and that he had just been served with Jonathan's filings. He requested more time to respond. Justice Lifu adjourned the hearing to May 11 at 2 p.m. to consider Jonathan's preliminary objection and the substantive suit. The judge ordered that hearing notices be served on INEC and the AGF. The suit is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025.
Goodluck Jonathan is challenging a legal bid to block his 2027 presidential run, despite previously losing a similar case on appeal. His legal team argues the current suit is redundant, yet they rushed to file responses within days of media reports. The court has included INEC and the AGF as parties, though the source does not state their positions. This suggests the case may hinge on constitutional interpretation rather than new facts.
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