Proceedings in a Federal High Court suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan's eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election were stalled on Monday due to the absence of the plaintiff and key defendants. Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the case to May 15 after counsel for the plaintiff, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) did not appear. Only Chris Uche (SAN), representing Jonathan, was present at the resumed hearing.
Uche urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of diligent prosecution, noting that Ndubuisi Ukpai, counsel to the plaintiff at the last sitting, failed to attend or provide an explanation. The plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, a legal practitioner, was also absent. Uche argued that the plaintiff's silence following Jonathan's preliminary objection showed a lack of seriousness, making the suit liable for dismissal. He also requested N5 million in costs against Jideobi.
Justice Lifu ruled that no evidence showed hearing notices had been served on INEC and the AGF. The judge said the interest of justice required giving all affected parties a chance to participate. While Uche maintained that INEC and the AGF were nominal parties, the court held that INEC remained central to the dispute. "The court is minded to accommodate the plaintiff and the 2nd and 3rd defendants, who have consistently been absent," Justice Lifu said. The court ordered fresh hearing notices to be served on the plaintiff, INEC, and the AGF before the next date.
The suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, seeks to stop Jonathan from contesting the 2027 election and to bar INEC from accepting or publishing his name as a candidate. Jideobi argues that Jonathan, having completed Yar'Adua's unexpired term and served a full term, has reached the constitutional two-term limit under Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution. An affidavit by Emmanuel Agida states Jonathan assumed office on May 6, 2010, and won the 2011 election. The plaintiff claims a 2027 victory would amount to a third oath of office. Jonathan has said he is consulting on a possible 2027 run.
Jonathan's legal team is pushing to dismiss a case questioning his eligibility while relying on the same court process to keep his 2027 option alive. The adjournment benefits him by delaying a decision without requiring a public stance. If the suit collapses due to inaction, it clears a path for a comeback bid without a judicial ruling on the constitutional issue. This leaves voters with uncertainty about whether a third-term scenario is legally permissible.
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