May 07, (THEWILL) — Former President Goodluck Jonathan may face a major constitutional hurdle over any potential return to active presidential politics as a Federal High Court in Abuja prepares to hear a suit seeking his disqualification from the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu fixed Friday, May 8, 2026, for the hearing of the suit after adjourning the matter and directing that hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants, who are yet to file their responses before the court.
The development comes barely hours after Jonathan publicly responded to mounting calls by supporters and youth groups urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Thursday while addressing a large crowd of supporters who marched to his Abuja office, the former president cautioned that the race for Nigeria’s highest office required careful consideration and broad consultations.
“Presidential race is not a computer game. But I heard you. And I will consult widely,” Jonathan declared.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was instituted by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to declare Jonathan constitutionally ineligible to seek or hold the office of president again under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Jideobi is also seeking an order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The plaintiff further asked the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting, processing or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate should he eventually decide to contest.
Jonathan is listed as the first defendant in the suit, while the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation were named as second and third defendants respectively.
The legal action centres on the interpretation of Sections 1(1), 1(2), 1(3) and 137(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
According to the plaintiff, Jonathan, having previously taken the presidential oath twice, would effectively be taking the oath for a third time if he contests and wins the 2027 presidential election, an action he argued would violate constitutional provisions relating to presidential tenure.
The plaintiff also urged the court to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure compliance with any orders or judgment that may be delivered in the matter.
Meanwhile, supporters who visited Jonathan’s office on Thursday described themselves as a nationwide movement cutting across ethnic, political and social divides.
The group said it mobilised because of growing concerns over Nigeria’s current challenges and the need for experienced leadership ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Because of our genuine fear of Nigeria’s possible collapse, we decided to march on your office today again, hoping that you will step out to receive us and make a statement that will gladden our hearts and the entire nation,” the supporters told the former president.
They further claimed to command over 10 million supporters nationwide and urged Jonathan to immediately obtain a presidential nomination form under any political platform of his choice.
Responding, Jonathan stressed the importance of patriotism, peace and credible elections to national development and democratic stability.
“It’s only patriotic citizens that build their nations. Unpatriotic citizens will destroy their nation, take the money to anywhere to enjoy their life. So you must be patriotic,” he said.
The former president also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to peaceful coexistence and active participation in the electoral process.
“The key thing we need in this country is peace,” Jonathan stated, warning that flawed elections discourage responsible and competent citizens from participating in politics.
Jonathan further highlighted his post-presidency involvement in election observation and peace-building missions across Africa, revealing that he had observed elections in more than 14 African countries.
Although he has yet to formally declare interest in the 2027 presidential election, Thursday’s remarks are expected to intensify political speculation surrounding a possible comeback bid.
Jonathan first assumed office as president in May 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later won the 2011 presidential election.
He subsequently lost his re-election bid in 2015 to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Nigeria’s first democratic transfer of power from an incumbent president to an opposition candidate.
Since leaving office, Jonathan has remained active in international diplomacy, democracy promotion and conflict-resolution initiatives across Africa, earning recognition for his peace advocacy and democratic engagements.
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