The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to deliver judgement today, Friday, May 15, on a suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
A lawyer named Johnmary Jideobi filed the study suit, which aims to prevent Jonathan from running for president in 2027 on constitutional grounds.
However, Jonathan’s attorney, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the case during the last sitting, claiming that the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal had already rendered a decision on the matter.
He informed the court that the former president was only made aware of the lawsuit by media reports, which led to the filing of a notice of preliminary objection, counter-affidavit, and written address contesting the case.
Nevertheless, after the plaintiff and other parties, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, failed to appear in court twice in a row, the proceedings were put on hold.
The court had warned that it could award costs against the plaintiff over the repeated absence.
However, Justice Peter Lifu rejected Jonathan’s attorney’s plea to have the lawsuit dismissed for lack of diligent prosecution, citing the need to give the parties one more chance for a fair trial.
Before adjourning the case for judgement, the judge mandated that new hearing notices be sent to the plaintiff, INEC, and the attorney-general of the Federation.
