A lawyer has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to bar former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, arguing that doing so would exceed the constitutional two-term limit for Nigerian presidents.
The suit also seeks to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate.
Jonathan is named as the first defendant, with INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation listed as the second and third defendants. The case, filed by Johnmary Chukwukasi Jideobi under file number FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, challenges Jonathan’s eligibility under Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The plaintiff is asking the court for four main orders:
- A declaration that Jonathan is ineligible to run for or occupy the office of President.
- A declaration that INEC has no authority to accept or publish Jonathan’s nomination for the 2027 election.
- A perpetual injunction preventing Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a presidential candidate in 2027 or subsequent elections.
- A perpetual injunction restraining INEC from accepting or publishing his candidacy.
The suit also seeks a court order directing the Attorney General to ensure compliance with any rulings.
In an affidavit supporting the case, Emmanuel Agida argued that allowing Jonathan to contest in 2027 would violate the eight-year cumulative presidential term limit. Agida described himself as an advocate for constitutionalism and the rule of law, emphasizing that the petition is aimed at upholding Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
