A legal battle has begun over the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, as a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, has filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop him from returning to power.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jideobi is asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for nomination as a presidential candidate in 2027 or any subsequent election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) were also joined as second and third defendants, respectively.
The lawyer is further seeking an order restraining INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate under any political platform.
In an affidavit deposed to by Emmanuel Agida in support of the suit, the plaintiff described himself as an advocate of constitutionalism and the rule of law. He argued that if Jonathan were to contest and win the 2027 election — which runs from 2027 to 2031 — he would exceed the constitutionally permitted maximum of eight years in office as president.
Jideobi urged the court to determine “whether, in view of the combined provisions of Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the first defendant is eligible under any circumstances whatsoever to contest for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Upon determination of the legal question, the plaintiff is seeking several key declarations, including:
- A declaration that Jonathan is constitutionally ineligible to contest for or occupy the office of President again.
- A declaration that INEC lacks the constitutional authority to receive or publish his name as a presidential candidate in 2027 or any future election.
- An order of perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from seeking nomination from any political party for the presidency.
- An order compelling the Attorney-General to enforce compliance with the court’s decision in the matter.
The legal move comes amid renewed calls from some political figures urging Jonathan — who was defeated in 2015 — to join the 2027 race. Although the former president has not publicly declared his intention, speculation has intensified in recent months.
Last week, the Presidency responded to the growing calls, saying Jonathan was welcome to contest against President Bola Tinubu but warned that he would be haunted by what it described as his “disastrous” record in office.
The court is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the suit.
