Federal High Court Sets May 26 Ruling on Jonathan 2027 Eligibility Suit

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 26 to deliver judgment in a suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election. Justice Peter Lifu set the date after all parties adopted their final written arguments. The plaintiff, an Abuja based lawyer, is asking the court to determine whether Jonathan, having previously served as president, remains eligible under the 1999 Constitution to seek the office again.

The suit names Jonathan as the first defendant, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the second defendant, and the Attorney General of the Federation as the third defendant. The Attorney General aligned with Jonathan in seeking the dismissal of the case, while INEC did not appear in court and had no legal representation. Both Jonathan and the Attorney General also opposed a motion seeking the judge’s recusal on grounds of bias, and asked the court to award substantial costs against the plaintiff.

The plaintiff argues that Jonathan completed the unexpired term of late President Umaru Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full four year term after winning the 2011 election. According to the plaintiff,...