Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has challenged a suit seeking to stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, describing the case as one already settled by the courts.
Jonathan’s counsel, Chris Uche, told Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja that the ex-president had already filed a conditional appearance, preliminary objection, counter-affidavit and written address on May 5, urging the court to dismiss the suit.
Uche said the legal team only became aware of the matter through media reports, prompting an urgent response because the issue touches on Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the presidency in 2027.
The senior lawyer argued that it was surprising that the suit was filed by a legal practitioner despite the fact that the matter had allegedly been determined previously by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, informed the court that the case was scheduled for mention but said he had just been served with Jonathan’s court processes and would require time to respond.
Justice Lifu subsequently adjourned the matter until May 11 for the hearing of Jonathan’s objection as well as the substantive suit. The court also directed that hearing notices be served on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation, who were absent from proceedings.
The suit was instituted by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction preventing Jonathan from seeking nomination from any political party for the 2027 election.
Jideobi also prayed the court to restrain Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated presidential candidate.
ADVERTISEMENTS
