A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in the suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, following the absence of the plaintiff and his counsel in court.
The court fixed May 15, 2026, for hearing and warned that punitive costs may be awarded against them if there is another failure to appear.
When proceeding commenced , counsel for the first defendant, Chris Uche, SAN, drew the court’s attention to the absence of the plaintiff’s Lawyer despite the matter having earlier been adjourned at his instance.
The court subsequently asked the registrar if any formal communication had been received explaining the lawyers absence, but the registrar response was negative.
Issues surrounding service of hearing notices also emerged during proceedings, as it was revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, had not been served, contrary to an earlier order of the court made on May 8.
Uche maintained his application for the matter to be struck out, arguing that even where parties have exchanged processes and issues have been joined, the court still retains the power to dismiss or strike out a matter for lack of diligent prosecution.
He further argued that the plaintiff had a responsibility to ensure proper service of all court processes and hearing notices, particularly in a matter of public importance involving the eligibility of a former President to seek office.
According to him, the court file showed that INEC and the AGF had neither been properly served nor filed any response in the suit.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
