The Federal High Court is expected to deliver judgment on Friday in a suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The suit was instituted by a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, who is seeking an order restraining Jonathan from participating in the next presidential race on constitutional grounds.
At the last hearing, counsel to the former president, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that the matter had already been settled by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in previous rulings.
Uche told the court that Jonathan only became aware of the case through media reports, prompting his legal team to file a preliminary objection alongside a counter-affidavit and written address challenging the competence of the suit.
Proceedings in the matter, however, suffered setbacks after the plaintiff and other parties, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, reportedly failed to appear in court on two consecutive occasions.
The repeated absence prompted concerns from the court, which warned that costs could be awarded against the plaintiff for lack of diligent prosecution.
Jonathan’s lawyer subsequently asked the court to strike out the matter, citing the plaintiff’s failure to pursue the case actively.
However, Justice Peter Lifu declined the application, saying all parties should be given a final opportunity in the interest of fair hearing.
The judge thereafter directed that fresh hearing notices be served on the plaintiff, INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation before fixing the matter for judgment.
The ruling is expected to clarify the legal position surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility to seek another term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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