By Paul Joseph
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday over a legal challenge seeking to stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, as speculation about his political comeback continues to grow.
The suit, filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, questions Jonathan’s constitutional eligibility to seek the presidency again.
The plaintiff argued that Jonathan had already completed the maximum tenure allowed under the Constitution after assuming office following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010 and subsequently winning a fresh four-year mandate in the 2011 election.
Also joined in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Justice Peter Lifu had earlier ordered that hearing notices be served on all parties after the defendants reportedly failed to file responses within the required period.
Court documents obtained by journalists showed that the plaintiff is asking the court to restrain Jonathan from contesting the 2027 election under any political platform and to stop INEC from recognising or publishing his candidacy.
In a supporting affidavit, Emmanuel Agida stated that Jonathan became president on May 6, 2010, following Yar’Adua’s death, and had therefore exhausted the constitutional limit for occupying the office.
The legal battle comes amid increasing political discussions over Jonathan’s possible return to active politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources close to the development disclosed that the former president may formally declare his ambition shortly after Friday’s court proceedings.
According to insiders, Jonathan is also expected to unveil the political platform on which he intends to pursue his presidential bid.
One source said the former president views the court appearance as an opportunity to address growing public speculation surrounding his political future.
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2011 to 2015 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before losing his re-election bid to former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation over a possible comeback intensified after Jonathan recently addressed a group of youths urging him to contest the 2027 election.
Responding to the calls, the former president said the presidency was not an office to be pursued casually and stressed the need for wide consultations before taking a final decision.
“Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely. The most important thing is that young people in Nigeria should have hope,” Jonathan said.
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