COURT FINES PLAINTIFF ₦1M IN SUIT SEEKING TO STOP JONATHAN’S 2027 PRESIDENTIAL BID
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
A Federal High Court in Abuja has imposed a ₦1 million fine on the plaintiff in a suit seeking to prevent former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the ruling after criticising the conduct of the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, and his lawyer over what the court described as repeated delays and lack of diligence in prosecuting the matter.
The judge expressed concern that despite filing the suit in October 2025, the plaintiff had yet to properly serve key defendants, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
During proceedings, counsel to the former president argued that the plaintiff had shown disregard for the court by repeatedly failing to appear while also stalling the progress of the case.
Justice Lifu described the actions of the plaintiff and his counsel as unacceptable and awarded the ₦1 million cost against the plaintiff in favour of Jonathan.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter till May 18 for hearing of pending applications and the substantive suit.