Former President Goodluck Jonathan has opposed a legal action seeking to disqualify 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.
Jonathan's lawyer, Chris Uche, SAN, appeared before Justice Peter Lifu and confirmed that a letter of conditional appearance, a notice of preliminary objection, a counter affidavit, and a written address were filed on May 5. Uche stated the defence was filed urgently after learning about the case through the media, stressing its significance regarding Jonathan's eligibility. He added that the matter had already been decided by the Federal High Court and affirmed by the Court of Appeal, making the current suit unjustifiable.
Plaintiff's counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, told the court the hearing was for mention and that he had just received Jonathan's filings. He requested time to respond. Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the case to May 11 for the hearing of Jonathan's preliminary objection and the substantive suit. The judge directed that hearing notices be served on INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation, listed as second and third defendants, who were absent during the proceedings.
Goodluck Jonathan's legal team argues the case against his 2027 bid has already been settled by appellate courts, yet the suit was refiled. If previous rulings already decided his eligibility, then the new case risks being a procedural repeat without fresh legal grounds. This prolongs uncertainty for voters waiting for clarity on candidacy challenges. The May 11 hearing will determine whether the matter proceeds or collapses on technical grounds.
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