2027: Goodluck Jonathan to know fate as court delivers judgement on eligibility
Federal High Court to Rule on Jonathan’s Presidential Candidacy
The Federal High Court in Abuja is scheduled to deliver a judgment today regarding a lawsuit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to run in the 2027 presidential election.
The suit, initiated by attorney Johnmary Jideobi, seeks to prevent Jonathan from entering the race based on constitutional grounds.
In a previous hearing, Jonathan’s counsel, Chief Chris Uche, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged the court to dismiss the case, asserting that similar issues had been addressed by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Uche informed the court that Jonathan had only become aware of the lawsuit through media coverage, which led to the filing of a preliminary objection, counter-affidavit, and a written address contesting the claims.
Proceedings faced delays after Jideobi, along with representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), did not appear in court on two consecutive occasions. The court warned that costs could be imposed on the plaintiff for this repeated absence.
While Jonathan’s attorney requested that the suit be dismissed for lack of prosecution, Justice Peter Lifu opted not to grant this request, emphasizing the need to provide the parties one last opportunity for a fair hearing.
The judge subsequently ordered that new hearing notices be issued to the plaintiff, INEC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation before adjourning the case.
