Court Orders AGF, INEC to Appear in Jonathan’s 2027 Presidential Eligibility Case

A Federal High Court in Abuja has taken a decisive step in the legal battle over former President Goodluck Jonathan’s political future, ordering the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to appear before it.

The order comes as part of a lawsuit initiated by legal practitioner Johnmary Jideobi, who is seeking a judicial interpretation that would permanently disqualify Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential race.

The core of the legal argument rests on the interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. This section specifically addresses the tenure limits for individuals who assume the presidency following the death or resignation of a predecessor. 

Jideobi contends that since Jonathan took over for the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full four-year term of his own, he has effectively exhausted his constitutional eligibility.

The plaintiff argues that allowing another run would violate the spirit of the law intended to prevent any single individual from holding the office for more than the equivalent of two full terms.

During the most recent proceedings, the legal team representing the former president pushed for the suit to be struck out. They pointed to the absence of the plaintiff in court as a primary reason for dismissal, suggesting the case lacked diligent prosecution.

However, the presiding judge opted for an adjournment rather than a dismissal, emphasizing the need for the key federal agencies to be present.

The court issued fresh summons to ensure that both the AGF and INEC are legally represented at the next hearing. Their input is considered vital, as the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how constitutional term limits are applied to former leaders in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.

In a related development, the Federal High Court in Yenagoa had previously delivered a judgment affirming that Jonathan was eligible to contest, arguing that the constitutional amendment cited by critics could not be applied retroactively to his specific tenure. That ruling has remained a focal point for supporters of the former president, even as new legal challenges like Jideobi’s attempt to bring the matter back into the national spotlight ahead of the 2027 general elections.