On Monday, legal practitioner Johnmary Jideobi approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, requesting a permanent injunction to bar former President Goodluck Jonathan from participating in any political party activities with the intention of contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The case, filed under the number FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, names Jonathan as the first defendant, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation are listed as the second and third defendants, respectively.
Jideobi further requested the court to prevent INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated presidential candidate under any political party.
In support of the suit, an affidavit sworn by Emmanuel Agida, who identifies as a proponent of constitutionalism and the rule of law, was submitted. The affidavit argued that if Jonathan were allowed to contest and subsequently win the 2027 election—whose four-year term would extend from 2027 to 2031—he would surpass the constitutionally mandated maximum of eight years in office as President of Nigeria.
The lawyer asked the court to clarify whether, based on the combined provisions of Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Jonathan could, under any circumstances, be eligible to run for the presidency.
Jideobi’s suit seeks several reliefs, including:
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A declaration that, according to proper interpretation of Sections 1(1), (2), (3), and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Jonathan is ineligible to contest or hold the office of President.
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A declaration that INEC has no constitutional authority to receive or publish Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate of any political party in 2027 or future elections.
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A perpetual injunction barring Jonathan from presenting himself for nomination by any political party as a presidential candidate in 2027 or later elections.
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An order restraining INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s candidacy in 2027 or subsequent elections.
Additionally, the plaintiff requested that the court direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure adherence to any orders issued in the case.
Recently, there has been renewed public interest in Jonathan running for president. Professor Jerry Gana, a former Minister of Information and PDP member, had suggested that Nigerians, having observed economic and social disparities during the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the first two years under President Bola Tinubu, now desired Jonathan’s return.
However, the PDP’s National Working Committee dismissed Gana’s statement, emphasizing that he did not have the party’s authority to announce Jonathan as a potential presidential candidate for 2027. The party also noted that it has capable and high-performing southern governors who could serve as presidential candidates if chosen.
