By William Emily l Date: May 8, 2026
A Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear a suit seeking to stop former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, intensifying political and constitutional debates surrounding his possible return to office.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to declare Jonathan constitutionally ineligible to seek the presidency again under Nigeria’s constitutional term-limit provisions. Jonathan is listed as the first defendant in the matter, while the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation are named as second and third defendants respectively.
According to court filings, the plaintiff is seeking an order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The suit also requests that INEC be barred from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate if he eventually declares interest in the race.
Justice Peter Lifu had earlier, on April 28, directed that hearing notices be served on all parties involved after some defendants reportedly failed to file their responses within the required period. The court subsequently fixed Friday, May 8, for hearing of the matter.
The legal action comes amid renewed political speculation over Jonathan’s possible return to active presidential politics. Earlier this week, the former president fueled nationwide debate after telling supporters in Abuja that he would “consult widely” before deciding whether to contest the 2027 election.
Thousands of supporters under the banner of the “Coalition for Jonathan 2027” had reportedly marched to Jonathan’s office in Abuja, urging him to enter the presidential race. Demonstrators carried placards with messages calling on the former president to “save Nigeria” and immediately declare his candidacy.
The constitutional controversy centers on Section 137 of Nigeria’s Constitution, particularly amendments introduced after Jonathan’s presidency regarding term limits for individuals who complete another president’s tenure before winning election themselves. Jonathan first assumed office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later won the 2011 presidential election before losing reelection in 2015.
Legal analysts remain divided over whether Jonathan is eligible to contest again. Supporters argue that constitutional amendments made after his tenure cannot be applied retroactively, while critics insist that he has already effectively completed two presidential terms under current constitutional interpretation.
The issue had previously surfaced ahead of the 2023 elections when similar debates emerged regarding Jonathan’s eligibility. Some legal observers note that earlier court decisions appeared favorable to the former president’s eligibility, though the matter was never fully tested through an actual candidacy.
Political reactions to the latest court case have been intense across Nigeria. Supporters of Jonathan described the suit as politically motivated, while others argued that the judiciary must clarify the constitutional question before the 2027 election season fully begins. Online discussions and political forums have also reflected deep divisions over Jonathan’s possible return and its implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.
The hearing is expected to attract significant national attention as Nigeria’s political atmosphere gradually intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts believe the court’s eventual ruling could shape future constitutional interpretation regarding presidential succession and term limits in the country.