BY CHIJIOKE CHARLES
ABUJA — A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has again been stalled after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the plaintiff all failed to appear in a suit seeking to prevent former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The case, filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, had sought judicial interpretation to bar Jonathan’s eligibility for the 2027 race. However, proceedings were halted due to repeated absence of key parties, including the listed defendants.
Counsel to Jonathan urged the court to strike out the matter on grounds of consistent non-appearance and also requested a ₦5 million cost award against the plaintiff for what he described as abuse of court process and wasted judicial time.
Presiding Judge, Justice Peter Lifu,declined the request, stating that the interest of fair hearing must be preserved despite the delays. The court, however, expressed concern over the pattern of absences and granted what it described as a final opportunity for all parties to appear and take their positions.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to Friday, 15 May 2026.
The suit lists Independent National Electoral Commission as the 2nd defendant and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as the 3rd defendant, while former President Goodluck Jonathan remains central to the dispute over his eligibility.
The repeated adjournments highlight growing procedural delays in politically sensitive litigation ahead of the 2027 election cycle, raising concerns among observers about judicial efficiency and the potential for strategic absences to slow electoral-related cases.
Legal analysts say the outcome of the case could set an important precedent on post-tenure eligibility interpretation, particularly for former presidents who previously completed two terms in office before constitutional amendments and political transitions.
The court is expected to proceed on the next adjourned date if all parties comply with the directive.
