The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to deliver judgment today in a suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The suit was instituted by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is seeking an order restraining Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential race on constitutional grounds.
At the last hearing, Jonathan’s counsel, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the matter had already been settled by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
According to Uche, the former president only became aware of the suit through media reports, prompting his legal team to file a notice of preliminary objection, counter-affidavit, and written address challenging the action.
The proceedings, however, suffered delays after the plaintiff and other parties in the matter, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, failed to appear in court on two separate occasions.
The court had earlier warned that it might impose costs against the plaintiff over the repeated absence.
Although Jonathan’s lawyer requested that the case be struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, Justice Peter Lifu declined the application, stating that all parties should be given one final opportunity in the interest of fair hearing.
Justice Lifu subsequently directed that fresh hearing notices be served on the plaintiff, INEC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation before adjourning the matter for judgment.
