Lawyer Moves to Bar Former President Jonathan From 2027 Presidential Race Over Term Limit
A lawyer has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, claiming that doing so would breach Nigeria’s constitutional two-term limit for presidents.
The suit also asks the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be barred from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate.
Jonathan is listed as the first defendant, with INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation named 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 seeking four main orders from the court:
- A declaration that Jonathan is constitutionally barred from contesting or holding the office of President.
- A declaration that INEC cannot receive or publish his nomination for the 2027 election.
- A perpetual injunction preventing Jonathan from submitting himself to any political party as a presidential candidate in 2027 or future elections.
- A perpetual injunction restraining INEC from recognizing or publicizing his candidacy.
Additionally, the suit asks the court to direct the Attorney General to enforce compliance with any orders issued.
In a supporting affidavit, Emmanuel Agida argued that allowing Jonathan to run in 2027 would exceed the constitutionally permitted cumulative eight-year presidential term. Agida emphasized that the petition is aimed at protecting constitutional governance and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
