A fresh legal battle has erupted over former President Goodluck Jonathan’s rumoured return to the political scene, as a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order to bar him from contesting in the 2027 presidential election.
In the suit numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jideobi listed Jonathan as the first defendant, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation were named as second and third defendants, respectively.
The legal practitioner is asking the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for nomination or participation in the forthcoming presidential election, insisting such a move would breach constitutional limits.
According to an affidavit filed by one Emmanuel Agida on behalf of the plaintiff, Jideobi described himself as a strong advocate of constitutionalism and the rule of law. He argued that should Jonathan contest and win the 2027 election, his tenure would exceed the constitutionally allowed maximum of eight years in office.
The suit asked the court to determine “whether, in view of the combined provisions of Sections 1(1), (2) and (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the first defendant is eligible under any circumstances whatsoever to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Upon determination of the matter, the plaintiff is seeking four major reliefs, including a declaration that Jonathan is constitutionally ineligible to re-contest or occupy the office of the President. He further asked the court to declare that INEC has no legal authority to accept or publish Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate for the 2027 election or any future contest.
Jideobi also prayed for an order of perpetual injunction restraining both Jonathan and INEC from participating in or validating any presidential nomination involving the former president. He additionally sought an order directing the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure full compliance with any judgment delivered in the case.
The legal action comes amid renewed speculation over Jonathan’s political ambitions.
Recently, a former Minister of Information and PDP chieftain, Professor Jerry Gana, hinted that Nigerians, disillusioned by the prevailing economic hardship, were calling for Jonathan’s return to power.
However, the PDP’s National Working Committee swiftly dismissed Gana’s remarks, maintaining that he lacked the authority to speak on behalf of the party. The committee stressed that the PDP remains well-endowed with credible leaders, including several performing governors from the South, who could emerge as strong presidential contenders in 2027.
The Federal High Court is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the case.
