The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to rule today on a lawsuit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The case was instituted by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is seeking a court order barring Jonathan from participating in the presidential race on constitutional grounds.
During the previous hearing, Jonathan’s counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that the issue had already been settled by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
According to Uche, the former president only became aware of the suit through media reports, prompting him to file a preliminary objection, counter-affidavit, and written address challenging the action.
Proceedings in the matter were delayed after the plaintiff and other parties, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, failed to appear in court on two separate occasions.
The court had earlier warned that it could impose costs against the plaintiff due to the repeated absences.
Although Jonathan’s legal team requested that the case be struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, Justice Peter Lifu declined the application.
The judge maintained that all parties should be given a final opportunity to be heard in the interest of fairness and due process.
Justice Lifu subsequently ordered that fresh hearing notices be served on the plaintiff, INEC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation before fixing the matter for judgment.