The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned until May 8 a suit seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The case, which came up for mention before Justice Peter Lifu, was postponed after the court noted that the defendants had yet to file their counter-affidavits.
Justice Lifu also directed that hearing notices and all necessary court processes be served on the defendants before the next adjourned date.
The suit was filed by a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from taking part in the 2027 presidential race.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, the plaintiff argued that Jonathan is constitutionally ineligible to run again for president.
He also urged the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate for the election.
INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation were listed as defendants in the matter.
Jideobi, relying on Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, asked the court to determine whether Jonathan can legally seek another term.
According to him, Jonathan already completed the remaining tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later served a full term after winning the 2011 election.
The plaintiff claimed there were signs the former president may contest in 2027 and warned that failure to act early could create a constitutional crisis.
He added that the suit was filed in the public interest to defend the rule of law and uphold the supremacy of the Constitution.
