The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned proceedings in a suit seeking to disqualify former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, after the plaintiff and key defendants failed to appear in court.
Jonathan, through his counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), asked the court to dismiss the case for want of diligent prosecution, arguing that the absence of the plaintiff, lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, undermined the case.
The suit also names the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as defendants. Both were absent during the sitting.
Uche urged Justice Peter Lifu to either strike out or dismiss the matter and impose a N5 million cost against the plaintiff, insisting that Jideobi, being a legal practitioner, ought to have properly pursued the case or informed the court of his absence.
However, the judge declined the request, noting that there was no evidence that hearing notices had been served on INEC and the Attorney General ahead of the proceedings.
Justice Lifu ruled that in the interest of justice, the court would grant one final opportunity for all parties to be properly notified and present their arguments. He then adjourned the case to May 15 for definite hearing and ordered fresh service of hearing notices on all absent parties.
In his originating summons, Jideobi is asking the court to determine whether former President Jonathan is constitutionally eligible to contest another presidential election under Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
He contends that Jonathan has already exhausted the constitutional limit for presidential tenure, having completed the term of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010 and subsequently served a full four-year term after winning the 2011 election.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the suit by Emmanuel Agida, Jonathan assumed office on May 6, 2010, following Yar’Adua’s death, and later secured a mandate in the 2011 presidential election.
The plaintiff argues that allowing Jonathan to contest in 2027 could amount to a third term in office, contrary to constitutional provisions, and is seeking a court order restraining him from participating in the race or presenting himself to any political party as a candidate.
The suit also seeks to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate.
Jonathan, who previously served as Nigeria’s President, has yet to formally declare interest in the 2027 election but has stated that he is still consulting on the possibility of a return to the political arena.
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