Federal High Court Sets May 11 to Decide Whether Ex-President Jonathan Can Run Again

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until May 11, 2026, a lawsuit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed the new date after the plaintiff’s counsel requested time to respond to a preliminary objection filed by the defence, which was recently served on him.

The suit has sparked legal debate over whether Jonathan can lawfully seek another term under the 1999 Constitution. During Friday’s proceedings, Jonathan’s lawyer informed the court that he had only learnt of the matter through media reports and was taking steps to ensure all necessary filings were made on behalf of the former president.

He also noted that similar issues had previously been decided by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, questioning why the eligibility controversy was being revisited.

The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation, listed as respondents, were not represented in court. The judge ordered that hearing notices be properly served on all parties before the next adjourned date.

The suit was filed by a lawyer, who is seeking a court declaration that Jonathan is constitutionally ineligible to run for president again. He also wants an order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself as a candidate in 2027 and barring INEC from accepting his name.

At the core of the case is the question of whether Jonathan has already exhausted the constitutional limits for the office. The plaintiff argues that Jonathan completed the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua after his death in 2010, and later served a full four-year term after winning the 2011 election. Allowing him to contest again, the plaintiff contends, would amount to taking the presidential oath for a third time, which is prohibited.

An affidavit supporting the suit stated that the legal action became necessary following reports that Jonathan was considering another presidential bid.

The court is expected to return to the eligibility question on May 11 as the legal battle continues.