A lawyer, Johnmary Chukwukasi Jideobi, has filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to permanently stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in the 2027 presidential election or any future polls.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jideobi is asking the court to declare that Jonathan, having been sworn in twice as President of Nigeria, is constitutionally ineligible to contest for the position again.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) were joined as second and third defendants in the case.
The plaintiff also wants the court to restrain INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate under any political party and to compel the AGF to ensure compliance with any ruling issued by the court.
Relying on Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Jideobi argued that a “holistic interpretation” of the provisions disqualifies Jonathan from running again since he has already been sworn in twice — first in 2010, following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and again after winning the 2011 election.
In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, Emmanuel Agida, who described himself as an advocate of constitutionalism, said the action was necessary following reports suggesting that Jonathan might consider another presidential bid in 2027.
He contended that allowing Jonathan to run again would breach constitutional limits on presidential tenure and undermine the rule of law.
Part of the affidavit read:
“If the court does not intervene timeously, a political party may present the 1st defendant as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, thereby breaching the Constitution.”
The suit also asserts that any such attempt would mean Jonathan taking the presidential oath for a third time — contrary to constitutional provisions limiting the office to two terms.
Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, has been the subject of repeated legal and political debate over his eligibility for another term, especially since the Fourth Alteration Act introduced Section 137(3), which bars anyone sworn in as president twice from seeking re-election.
Neither Jonathan nor his spokespersons have reacted to the suit, and INEC and the Office of the Attorney-General have yet to issue official statements.
No date has been fixed for the hearing.