Photo File: Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

A legal practitioner, Johnmary Jideobi, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to bar former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in the 2027 presidential election.

In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jideobi is asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party in Nigeria for nomination as a presidential candidate. Jonathan is listed as the first defendant, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation are named as the second and third defendants, respectively.

The lawyer also asked the court to restrain INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate for the 2027 election or any future election.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, deposed to by one Emmanuel Agida, the plaintiff described himself as an advocate for constitutionalism and the rule of law. He argued that if Jonathan were allowed to contest and eventually win the 2027 election, which runs until 2031, he would exceed the constitutionally mandated maximum of eight years in office as President of Nigeria. Jideobi urged the court to interpret the combined provisions of Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to determine Jonathan’s eligibility.

Among the reliefs sought are:

• A declaration that Jonathan is constitutionally ineligible to contest or occupy the office of President again.
• A declaration that INEC lacks the constitutional power to accept or publish his name as a presidential candidate in 2027 or beyond.
• An order of perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from seeking nomination from any political party.
• A directive to the Attorney-General to ensure compliance with any orders granted by the court.

The legal move comes amid renewed calls by some political figures, particularly within opposition parties, urging Jonathan to enter the 2027 presidential race. Although he has not publicly declared interest, speculation around his possible return has continued to generate debate.

Last week, the Presidency issued a statement reacting to the growing calls, welcoming any challenge from the former leader but warning that he would be judged by what it described as his “disastrous” performance during his time in office.

Jonathan served as President from 2010 to 2015 after succeeding the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later winning the 2011 election. He lost his re-election bid in 2015 to President Muhammadu Buhari.