Former President Goodluck Jonathan has challenged a suit seeking to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan, through his lawyer, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), informed the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday that the former president had filed processes opposing the suit instituted by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi.
The matter came up before Justice Peter Lifu, where Jonathan’s counsel disclosed that a conditional appearance, notice of preliminary objection, counter-affidavit, and written address were filed on May 5, urging the court to dismiss the case.
According to Uche, the former president became aware of the suit through media reports and immediately took steps to respond because of its implications for his political future.
The senior advocate argued that the legal issues raised in the matter had already been determined by the Federal High Court and upheld by the Court of Appeal, describing it as unfortunate that another lawyer had brought a similar action before the court.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, however, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for mention and that he had only just been served with Jonathan’s legal processes. He subsequently requested additional time to respond.
Following the submissions, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until May 11 for hearing of Jonathan’s preliminary objection as well as the substantive suit.
The judge also directed that hearing notices be issued and served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who were absent from proceedings.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025 and dated October 6, 2025, was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi.
In the suit, the plaintiff is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Jideobi also asked the court to stop Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated candidate of any political party.
The plaintiff listed Jonathan as the first defendant, while INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation were named as the second and third defendants respectively.
