The Federal High Court in Abuja was on Monday petitioned to issue a perpetual injunction preventing former President Goodluck Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party in Nigeria to contest the 2027 presidential election
The suit also seeks to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting Jonathan’s name from any political party or publishing him as a duly nominated candidate for the presidency.
Jonathan was cited as the first defendant, while INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation were listed as the second and third defendants, respectively.
Filed by lawyer Johnmary Chukwukasi Jideobi and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, the suit raises a key question for the court:
“Whether, in view of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the first defendant is eligible under any circumstances to contest for the office of the President of Nigeria?”
The plaintiff is seeking four main reliefs:
- A declaration that Jonathan is ineligible to run for or occupy the office of the President based on the constitutional provisions cited.
- A declaration that INEC lacks the constitutional authority to receive or publish Jonathan’s nomination for the 2027 presidential election.
- A perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from submitting himself to any political party for presidential nomination in 2027 or future elections.
- A perpetual injunction directing INEC not to accept or publish Jonathan as a candidate for the presidency in 2027 or subsequent elections.
Additionally, the suit requests that the Attorney General ensure compliance with the court’s decisions and orders.
In an affidavit filed by Emmanuel Agida in support of the suit, the plaintiff described himself as an advocate of constitutionalism and the rule of law.
He argued that if Jonathan were to win the 2027 election, he would exceed the cumulative eight-year maximum term limit allowed for a Nigerian President, serving a term from 2027 to 2031.
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