Court to Rule May 26 on Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidential Eligibility

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set May 26, 2026, for judgment in a suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Peter Lifu announced the date on Monday after all parties adopted their final written addresses in the matter.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was filed by an Abuja-based lawyer seeking the court’s interpretation of constitutional provisions on presidential tenure limits.

Jonathan and the Attorney General of the Federation urged the court to dismiss the case and award heavy costs against the plaintiff. They also opposed a motion seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the matter over alleged bias.

A major issue before the court is the interpretation of Sections 1 and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, particularly whether Jonathan can legally seek another term as president.

The plaintiff is asking the court to stop Jonathan from contesting the 2027 election or any future presidential race. He also wants the Independent National Electoral Commission barred from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate.

According to the plaintiff, Jonathan already exhausted the constitutional limit after completing the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later serving a full term following the 2011 election. Justice Lifu stated that all pending objections will be decided alongside the final judgment on May 26.