By Peter Omopo
The Federal High Court in Abuja has criticised the delay in the prosecution of a suit seeking to disqualify former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, imposing a N1 million fine on the plaintiff and his counsel.
Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the matter on Friday, faulted the conduct of the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, and his lawyer, Ndubuisi Ukpai, describing their actions as lacking diligence in a politically sensitive case requiring accelerated hearing.
The judge noted that despite the suit being filed since October 6, 2025, the plaintiff had failed to properly serve key defendants, including the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Justice Lifu said political matters demanded speedy resolution in line with judicial policy and warned against unnecessary delays.
“I have carefully and painstakingly considered all the submissions and prayers of the learned counsel in this matter. This case has a political character and deserves accelerated hearing and expeditious disposal,” the judge stated.
The court subsequently ordered the plaintiff to serve all court processes on INEC and the AGF within two hours, while directing the second and third defendants to file their responses before 11am on May 18, 2026.
The matter was adjourned till May 18 for hearing of the substantive suit and all pending applications.
Justice Lifu also observed that neither the plaintiff nor his lawyer appeared in court on May 11 after personally requesting that the matter be fixed for hearing at 2pm.
The court recalled that counsel to former President Jonathan, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), had earlier informed the court that his client only became aware of the suit through media reports before filing his response.
According to the judge, the repeated failure of the plaintiff to prosecute the case amounted to tardiness and abuse of court process.
“Today, it is crystal clear that the plaintiff did not serve the originating summons on the second and third defendants since October 6, 2025. This hearing has been frustrated due to the tardiness of the plaintiff who is a lawyer by training,” Justice Lifu said.
He added that punishment should lie where fault existed and consequently awarded a N1 million cost against the plaintiff in favour of the first defendant.
Earlier during proceedings, neither the plaintiff nor his counsel was initially present in court, while counsel to Jonathan and the AGF were in attendance.
Jonathan’s counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the suit, accusing the plaintiff and his lawyer of showing disrespect to the court.
According to him, the plaintiff had instituted the suit against a former Commander-in-Chief and abandoned it.
“There must be consequences for every action. They think the courts are toothless bulldogs and the dignity of the court must be protected,” Uche argued.
Counsel to the AGF, J.D. Esho, also informed the court that the AGF’s office had not been served with the originating processes.
Ukpai later appeared in court midway into proceedings and apologised for his lateness, attributing it to a vehicle breakdown.
The plaintiff is seeking an order restraining former President Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election and preventing INEC from accepting or publishing his name as a candidate.
He is also asking the court to interpret constitutional provisions regarding Jonathan’s eligibility to seek the presidency again.
