Federal High Court adjourns suit challenging former President Jonathan's 2027 presidential eligibility to May 11
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit seeking to disqualify former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election until May 11, 2026. Justice Peter Lifu granted the adjournment after the plaintiff's counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, requested more time to respond to a preliminary objection filed by the defense. The suit, filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, asks the court to determine if Jonathan can lawfully run for president again under the 1999 Constitution. Jideobi argues that Jonathan has already exhausted his constitutional term limits, having completed the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's tenure and then serving a full four-year term. Jonathan's counsel, Chris Uche, informed the court he learned of the case through media reports and questioned why the eligibility issue was resurfacing given similar past rulings. The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation, listed as respondents, were not represented in court. The plaintiff seeks declarations that Jonathan is constitutionally ineligible, an order restraining him from presenting himself as a candidate, and a directive barring INEC from accepting his name for the 2027 general election. The case centers on the interpretation of sections 11, 2, 3, and 1373 of the 1999 Constitution regarding presidential term limits.
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