2027 Presidency: Court Fixes May 8 to Hear Suit Seeking Jonathan’s Disqualification

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 8, 2026, for hearing in a suit seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

The case, filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, is asking the court to restrain Jonathan from participating in the presidential race on constitutional grounds.

Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter on Tuesday after it came up for mention and directed that hearing notices be issued and served on all defendants who are yet to file their counter-affidavits before the next hearing date.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the plaintiff is seeking an order of perpetual injunction to prevent Jonathan from presenting himself as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Jideobi argues that Jonathan, having previously completed the tenure of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently serving a full elected term, is constitutionally barred from seeking the office again.

Jonathan became president in 2010 following Yar’Adua’s death and later won the 2011 presidential election before losing his re-election bid in 2015 to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The outcome of the suit is expected to shape political conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially amid recurring speculations about Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race.