Jonathan Moves to Crush Suit Seeking to Block 2027 Presidential Bid as Legal Firestorm Deepens Over Eligibility Battle

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit seeking to bar him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, intensifying early political tension over his widely speculated return to the presidential race.

Jonathan, through his counsel Chris Uche (SAN), challenged the competence of the suit filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, arguing that the case is legally defective and lacks merit.

When the matter came up before Justice Peter Lifu on Friday, Jonathan’s legal team informed the court that they had already entered a conditional appearance alongside a preliminary objection, counter affidavit, and written address filed on May 5, 2026, urging the court to strike out the suit in its entirety.

The former president’s lawyers further told the court that they only became aware of the proceedings through media reports and had to act swiftly due to what they described as the sensitive constitutional nature of the issues raised regarding Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

According to Uche, the suit is unnecessary, as the issues being raised have allegedly been settled in previous judicial decisions up to the Court of Appeal, making the fresh action an abuse of court process.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, informed the court that the matter was originally slated for mention, but he was only just served with Jonathan’s processes in open court and would require time to respond adequately.

After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Lifu adjourned the case to May 11 for hearing of Jonathan’s preliminary objection alongside the substantive suit.

The court also ordered that hearing notices be served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who are listed as second and third defendants but were absent from proceedings.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jideobi is asking the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election. The plaintiff is also seeking an order stopping INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a validly nominated presidential candidate.

The legal showdown is unfolding against the backdrop of renewed political speculation over Jonathan’s possible return to frontline politics, with reports suggesting growing consultations and quiet alignments ahead of 2027.

There have also been indications that the former president may be considering alignment with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), although this remains unconfirmed.

The speculation gained further momentum following recent political movements involving prominent figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who have been linked with shifting political configurations ahead of the next general election.

Jonathan, while responding to calls urging him to re-enter the race, cautioned that presidential ambition should not be treated lightly.

“Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely. But the most important thing is in Nigeria, that the young people will have hope,” he said.

He also urged young Nigerians to actively participate in elections, stressing that democratic engagement begins with voter registration and turnout.

“As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process. If I ask how many of you have your voter cards now, probably 50% of you don’t even have a voter’s card,” he said, adding that meaningful change requires active civic participation rather than passive political expectations.

The former president further expressed concern over rising youth migration trends, commonly referred to as “Japa,” describing it as a reflection of deeper governance challenges and declining national hope.

The case is expected to return before the court on May 11 as the legal and political implications surrounding Jonathan’s potential 2027 ambition continue to unfold.