A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday fined a plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, N1 million for delays in prosecuting a suit seeking to bar former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the matter, criticised both the plaintiff and his counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, for what he described as a lack of diligence in handling the case.
The judge awarded the N1 million cost in favour of former President Jonathan, condemning what he termed repeated actions by the plaintiff and his lawyer that allegedly stalled proceedings.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu stressed that political cases require accelerated hearing in line with judicial policy, noting that the suit, filed on October 6, 2025, had not been properly prosecuted.
“I have carefully and painstakingly considered all the submissions and prayers of learned counsel in this matter,” the judge said.
“As this court has earlier ruled and ordered, this case has a political character.
“I have taken judicial notice of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable. The duty of this court is to ensure that political matters are heard and disposed of expeditiously.”
The court subsequently ordered the plaintiff to serve all court processes on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation within two hours.
Justice Lifu also directed the second and third defendants to file their responses before 11 a.m. on May 18, 2026, and adjourned the matter until the same date for hearing of the substantive suit and all pending applications.
The court observed that despite the suit being instituted about six months ago, the plaintiff had failed to serve INEC and the AGF with the originating summons.
Justice Lifu further recalled that Jonathan’s counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), had earlier informed the court that the former president only became aware of the suit through media reports before eventually being served.
The judge also noted that neither the plaintiff nor his lawyer appeared in court on May 11, despite personally requesting that the matter be fixed for hearing at 2 p.m.
Although Jonathan’s counsel had requested N5 million as costs, the court declined the request in the interest of fair hearing.
“Today, it is crystal clear that the plaintiff did not serve the originating summons on the second and third defendants since October 6, 2025,” Justice Lifu stated.
“This case was scheduled for hearing today, but the proceedings have been frustrated by the tardiness of the plaintiff, who is himself a lawyer by training and calling.
“Consequently, I hold that punishment should lie where the fault is. I hereby award the sum of N1 million against the plaintiff in favour of the first defendant only.”
Earlier during proceedings, neither Jideobi nor his lawyer was initially present in court, while counsel to Jonathan, Chief Chris Uche, and counsel representing the AGF, J.D. Esho, were in attendance.
After the court registrar confirmed that hearing notices had been served, Uche urged the court to dismiss the suit and award substantial costs against the plaintiff for repeatedly failing to appear.
According to him, neither the plaintiff nor his counsel communicated any reason for their absence to the court or other parties.
He accused them of showing “absolute disdain and disrespect” for the court process.
“It is surprising that a plaintiff would institute a suit against a former Commander-in-Chief and then abandon the matter,” Uche argued.
“The plaintiff believes he can hold the court and all parties to ransom while remaining in the comfort of his home.
“There must be consequences for such conduct. They think the courts are toothless bulldogs, but the dignity of the court must be protected.”
He therefore urged the court to dismiss the case for abuse of court process.
Counsel to the AGF, Esho, also informed the court that her office had not been served with the plaintiff’s originating processes, despite receiving Jonathan’s response to the suit.
The court registrar equally confirmed that although INEC had received hearing notices for Friday’s proceedings, the commission had not been served with the originating summons.
Ukpai later arrived in court during the proceedings and apologised for his lateness.
“My lord, I am sorry. I appear for the plaintiff. Our vehicle broke down on the way,” he explained.
Jideobi had filed the suit seeking an order restraining former President Jonathan from presenting himself as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
He also asked the court to prevent INEC from accepting, processing, or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate.
In the suit, the plaintiff requested the court to determine whether, having regard to Sections 1(1), (2), (3), and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, Jonathan remains eligible to seek the office of president again.
