CONFIRMED: Jonathan Asks Court To Dismiss Suit Seeking To Stop Him From Contesting 2027 Presidential Election 

 

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit seeking to stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, amid increasing speculation about his possible return to active politics.

 

Jonathan, through his counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), challenged the competence of the suit shortly after the matter came up before Justice Peter Lifu on Friday.

 

The suit was filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to restrain the former president from participating in the next presidential election.

 

According to Jonathan’s legal team, the former president had already filed a conditional appearance, a notice of preliminary objection, a counter affidavit and a written address on May 5, 2026, urging the court to dismiss the case.

 

Uche told the court that Jonathan’s camp only became aware of the suit through media reports, prompting an urgent legal response because of the sensitive constitutional questions surrounding the former president’s eligibility to run again.

 

The senior advocate argued that the matter was unnecessary and legally defective, maintaining that courts had previously settled similar issues up to the Court of Appeal.

 

Counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, however, informed the court that the case had initially been scheduled for mention and that he had only just been served with Jonathan’s legal processes in court. He subsequently requested time to study and respond to the filings.

 

After listening to both parties, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until May 11 for hearing of Jonathan’s objection as well as the substantive suit.

 

The court also directed that hearing notices be served on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation, who were listed as second and third defendants in the matter but were absent during proceedings.

 

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, the plaintiff is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

 

Jideobi also asked the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated presidential candidate.

 

The legal battle comes amid mounting political speculation over Jonathan’s possible return to presidential politics.

 

Recent reports have linked the former president to growing consultations ahead of the 2027 election, with sources suggesting he could formally declare interest in the race soon.

 

There have also been speculations that Jonathan may align with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), although no official confirmation has been made.

 

The political atmosphere intensified following the reported defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress to the NDC.

 

Speaking recently while responding to calls for him to contest, Jonathan cautioned that the presidency was not an ambition to be approached casually.

 

“Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely. But the most important thing is in Nigeria, that the young people will have hope,” he said.

 

The former president also urged Nigerian youths to remain committed to the democratic process by obtaining their voter cards and participating actively in elections.

 

Jonathan further expressed concern over the increasing “Japa” trend among young Nigerians, warning that mass migration reflected growing frustration and declining hope in the country.

 

“As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process. If I ask how many of you have your voter cards now, probably 50% of you don’t even have a voter’s card,” he said.

 

“And you’re asking me to go and contest elections. So you must participate in the electoral process.”