The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 11 to hear a suit seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter on Friday after Jonathan formally challenged the competence of the suit filed against him by Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi.
At the resumed proceedings, Jonathan’s counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), informed the court that the former president had already filed a notice of preliminary objection, counter-affidavit, and written address asking the court to dismiss the case.
Uche told the court that Jonathan only became aware of the suit through media reports and had to urgently file legal processes because of the significance of the matter.
The senior lawyer further argued that the issue of Jonathan’s eligibility to contest another presidential election had already been determined by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
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However, counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, said he had just been served with the former president’s legal documents in court and requested time to respond appropriately.
Following the submissions, Justice Lifu ordered that hearing notices be issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who were absent from the proceedings.
Jideobi, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, is asking the court to restrain Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election on constitutional grounds.
The plaintiff also wants the court to stop INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate nominated by any political party for the election.