A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 26, 2026, for judgment in a suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu announced the judgment date on Monday after all parties adopted their final written addresses in the case.
The suit was filed by an Abuja-based lawyer seeking the court’s interpretation of constitutional provisions relating to presidential tenure limits and whether Jonathan remains constitutionally qualified to seek office again.
Both the Attorney General of the Federation and Jonathan urged the court to dismiss the suit and award substantial costs against the plaintiff.
They also opposed an application seeking the recusal of the judge over allegations of bias.
At the centre of the legal dispute is the interpretation of Sections 1(1), 1(2), 1(3), and Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), particularly whether Jonathan can legally contest the presidency again “under any circumstances whatsoever.”
The plaintiff is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself for nomination by any political party for the 2027 presidential election and future elections. The suit also requests an order preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate.
In the supporting affidavit, the plaintiff argued that Jonathan would exceed the constitutional maximum of eight years in office if elected again in 2027.
The argument is based on the fact that Jonathan completed the remaining tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua following his death in 2010 before subsequently winning and serving a full term after the 2011 presidential election.
According to the plaintiff, allowing Jonathan to contest again could result in what was described as a “third oath of office,” contrary to constitutional provisions on presidential tenure.
Justice Lifu also stated that all pending preliminary objections in the matter would be decided alongside the final judgment on May 26, 2026.
