By our reporter 8.5.2026
Former President Goodluck Jonathan Friday through his lawyers challenged a lawsuit seeking to disqualify him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, filed the suit asking the court to permanently bar Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential election.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, the lawyer argued that Jonathan was not constitutionally qualified to return to the presidential race.
Lawyer to Jonathan Chris Uche, SAN, told the court presided by Justice Peter Lifu, that the former President has already filed several legal processes in response to the suit.
According to him, the defence entered a conditional appearance and submitted a preliminary objection, counter affidavit and written address challenging the case.
Uche explained that Jonathan only became aware of the suit through media reports, forcing his legal team to act quickly because of the weight of the issues raised in the case.
The senior advocate argued that the matter was surprising because courts had previously ruled on similar issues concerning Jonathan’s eligibility to seek office again.
He maintained that the suit lacked merit and should not proceed further.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, however, told the court that he had just been served with Jonathan’s court documents and needed time to study and respond to them.
Following submissions from both sides, Justice Lifu adjourned the case until May 11 for hearing of both the preliminary objection and the substantive suit.