2027: Lawyer Seeks Court Order to Bar Jonathan from Presidential Contest

 

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan

A legal practitioner, Johnmary Jideobi, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to permanently restrain former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election under any political party.

In the suit filed on Monday and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jideobi listed Jonathan as the first defendant, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) were named as the second and third defendants.

The plaintiff is asking the court to issue an order preventing INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a validly nominated presidential candidate under any political platform.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, deposed to by one Emmanuel Agida, Jideobi described himself as a strong advocate of constitutionalism and the rule of law. He argued that should Jonathan contest and win the 2027 election, his tenure would extend beyond the constitutionally permitted maximum of eight years in office.

The lawyer urged the court to determine whether, in light of Sections 1(1)-(3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Jonathan remains eligible “under any circumstances whatsoever” to contest for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Jideobi is seeking four key reliefs, including:

** A declaration that, upon a proper interpretation of the aforementioned constitutional provisions, Jonathan is ineligible to contest or occupy the office of President again;

** A declaration that INEC lacks the constitutional power to accept or publish Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate in 2027 or any subsequent election;

** An order of perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for nomination as its presidential candidate; and

** An order directing the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce compliance with the court’s judgment or any order made therein.

The suit comes amid growing calls from prominent opposition figures urging Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race.

However, the former president has not publicly confirmed any intention to run.

Last week, the Presidency commented on the speculation, saying Jonathan was welcome to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 but would “have to face the shadow of his disastrous record in office.”