The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until Friday, May 15, 2026, hearing in a suit seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election or any future presidential bid.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to declare Jonathan constitutionally ineligible to run again, arguing he has been sworn in twice as Nigeria’s president.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation are listed as second and third defendants.
At the hearing on Monday, May 11, 2026, both the plaintiff and INEC were absent for the second consecutive time. Counsel to Jonathan urged the court to dismiss the suit on that basis, citing repeated non-appearance.
Justice Peter Lifu refused the application, holding that the absent parties should be served a final hearing notice in the interest of fair hearing, and adjourned the matter to May 15, 2026.
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The plaintiff is seeking an order restraining Jonathan from offering himself to any political party as a presidential candidate, as well as stopping INEC from accepting or publishing his name for any election.
The case hinges on the interpretation of Sections 1(1), 1(2), 1(3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution on presidential eligibility.
In his affidavit, Emmanuel Agida stated that Jonathan became president on May 6, 2010, after the death of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and later completed a full term after winning the 2011 election.
He argued that Jonathan has exhausted the constitutional limit of two presidential tenures and should not take a third oath of office if he contests and wins in 2027.
The affidavit said growing reports of Jonathan’s possible return to the race prompted the suit, filed in the public interest to clarify constitutional provisions.
Jonathan has confirmed he is consulting on whether to join the 2027 presidential race.