Jonathan 2027 eligibility challenge unfolds in Abuja as ex-President Goodluck Jonathan contests suit seeking to bar him from 2027 election
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has formally challenged a legal bid seeking to disqualify him from the 2027 presidential election at the Federal High Court in Abuja on 8 May 2026, as his legal team moved to strike out the case brought by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi over his eligibility.
Also read:Â Goodluck Jonathan Eligibility Case Begins in Court Over 2027 Bid
Jonathan 2027 eligibility challenge came before Justice Peter Lifu, where Jonathan, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chris Uche, asked the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety.
Uche informed the court that a conditional appearance, preliminary objection, counter affidavit and written address had already been filed on 5 May 2026, describing the case as lacking merit and legally repetitive.
Chris Uche, SAN, told the court that the ex-President’s legal team became aware of the proceedings through media reports and acted swiftly due to the significance of the matter, which centres on whether Jonathan can lawfully contest the 2027 presidential poll.
He further argued that the issue had previously been determined by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, making the fresh suit unnecessary and an abuse of process.
In a strongly worded submission, Uche described the filing as unfortunate, stressing that the claimant, Johnmary Jideobi, ought to be aware of prior judicial pronouncements on the subject.
The argument added a sharp edge to the unfolding Jonathan 2027 eligibility challenge, which continues to attract national legal and political attention.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, informed the court that the matter had been slated for mention but noted he had just been served with Jonathan’s processes.
Ukpai requested additional time to respond fully to the filings, stating that he needed to review the documents before proceeding.
Justice Peter Lifu subsequently adjourned the matter to 11 May 2026 for hearing of the preliminary objection and the substantive suit.
The judge also directed that hearing notices be served on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation, who are listed as second and third defendants but were absent from proceedings.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was filed by Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction preventing Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for the purpose of contesting the 2027 election.
The claimant is also seeking an order restraining INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated candidate.
Also read:Â NMIM Urges Goodluck Jonathan to Lead Nigeria Again
The development adds a powerful legal dimension to ongoing debates surrounding eligibility interpretations ahead of the next general election cycle, with the court now set to determine whether the matter proceeds or is struck out at the preliminary stage.
