The Federal High Court in Abuja has set Friday, May 8, for hearing a lawsuit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan's eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who claims Jonathan has exhausted the constitutional two-term limit for the presidency. Jonathan became president on May 6, 2010, following the death of Umaru Yar'Adua, and was inaugurated again in 2011 after winning that year's election. Jideobi argues that a third assumption of office would violate Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
Jonathan is named as the first defendant, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation listed as second and third defendants. Justice Peter Lifu ordered hearing notices served on all parties on April 28 after they failed to file responses within the stipulated time. Jideobi is seeking a court order to stop Jonathan from presenting himself as a presidential candidate and to prohibit INEC from accepting or processing his name. An affidavit by Emmanuel Agida supporting the suit states Jonathan would take the presidential oath for the third time if elected in 2027. The plaintiff asserts the action is in public interest to uphold constitutional supremacy. Jonathan, speaking Thursday, said he would consult widely before deciding whether to run in 2027.
Goodluck Jonathan's potential 2027 run clashes with his own two prior oaths of office, creating a direct constitutional contradiction. If he contests, he risks being sworn in for a third time despite the constitution allowing only two tenures. This puts INEC in a legal bind should any party nominate him without court clearance. Nigerians named in the suit now face a test of constitutional clarity, not political ambition.
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