A legal practitioner, Johnmary Jideobi, has filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to permanently bar former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in the 2027 presidential election.
In the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jideobi listed Jonathan as the first defendant, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation as the second and third defendants. The lawyer is asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction preventing the former president from presenting himself as a candidate of any political party and restraining INEC from accepting or publishing his name for the 2027 poll.
According to court filings, Jideobi — who described himself as an advocate of constitutionalism and the rule of law — argued that allowing Jonathan to contest again would breach Nigeria’s constitutional limit of two presidential terms.
He noted that Jonathan, who first assumed office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua before winning the 2011 election, had already served more than five years as president. Should he contest and win in 2027, Jideobi contended, Jonathan’s cumulative tenure would exceed the constitutionally permitted maximum of eight years.
The plaintiff 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.”
He further sought four principal reliefs, including a declaration that Jonathan is “constitutionally ineligible to contest for or occupy the office of President” and an order barring INEC from recognising his candidacy “in the 2027 presidential election or any future election.”
Jideobi also asked the court to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure compliance with any eventual ruling in the matter.
The suit comes amid renewed calls from political figures urging Jonathan — who was defeated by Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 — to re-enter the race ahead of the 2027 elections. While Jonathan has not publicly confirmed any political ambition, speculation has persisted about his potential return.
Last week, the Presidency appeared to wade into the debate, saying Jonathan was free to contest if he wished, but warning that he would “be haunted by his disastrous record in office.”
The court has yet to fix a date for the hearing of the suit.
