A legal practitioner, Johnmary Jideobi, on Monday, asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to issue a perpetual injunction restraining former President Goodluck Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party in Nigeria for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jideobi listed Jonathan as the first defendant, while the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation were mentioned as the second and third defendants, respectively.

The lawyer prayed the court for an order to restrain INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated candidate for the presidential contest under any political party.

In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, deposed to by one Emmanuel Agida, the plaintiff described himself as an advocate of constitutionalism and the rule of law.

He argued that if Jonathan were to contest and win the 2027 presidential election, which has a four-year term running from 2027 to 2031, he would exceed the constitutionally allowed maximum of eight years in office as President of Nigeria.

Jideobi urged the court to determine “whether, in view of the combined provisions of Sections 1(1), (2) and (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the first defendant is eligible under any circumstances whatsoever to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Upon determination of the question, the plaintiff sought four main reliefs, including, “A declaration that, based on a proper interpretation of Sections 1(1), (2) and (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Jonathan is ineligible to contest for or occupy the office of the President of Nigeria.

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“A declaration that INEC lacks the constitutional power to receive or publish Jonathan’s name as a candidate of any political party for the presidential election in 2027 or any future election”.

He also prayed the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party in Nigeria for nomination as its presidential candidate in 2027 or thereafter.

The plaintiff additionally asked the court to issue an order directing the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure compliance with any decision or order made by the court in the matter.

In recent times, there have been calls on Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race.

The calls are being made by leading figures in the opposition parties, but Jonathan has yet to speak openly on whether or not he wants to contest.

Last week, the Presidency issued a statement, welcoming Jonathan, who was ousted from power in 2015, to contest against Tinubu but said he would be haunted by his “disastrous” past record in office.

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There is growing disquiet in the fledgling African Democratic Congress (ADC) over rumoured move by former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to seek another platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, as reported by Nigerian Tribune.

According to media reports, over the weekend, the former Anambra State Governor is considering dumping his new platform, the ADC for the Action Alliance.

Responding to insinuation that the former presidential candidate of the LP has a new party on the card, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko told Nigerian Tribune that he was not aware of such move by the former presidential candidate of the LP.

He said: “At the moment, it isn’t on my desk. I know he still has a good working relationship with leadership of the coalition. We will wait till after the governorship election in Anambra State.”

Dr Tanko declared that the ADC must swim with the tide of zoning of presidential ticket to the Southern part of the country.

“We have made our position known; the ADC must be all-inclusive. If you are looking for a presidential candidate, it must be from the South,” he said.

Asked if Peter Obi would review his relationship with the party once stakeholders insist on throwing the presidential ticket open to all the regions, the former campaign spokesman of Peter Obi said: “If ADC doesn’t zone, it is within his (Obi’s) right to decide what to do.”

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One of the aides of the former Anambra State governor, who pleaded not to be named, spoke in the same vein as he declared that seeking a new political party where he could secure a presidential ticket should not be foreclosed.

He said: “Is it a crime to seek another platform? From what is on the ground in ADC, it will be difficult for him to make headway. Everyone knows who is likely to emerge as ADC candidate. So, no one should blame Peter Obi if he decides to walk away from a trap,” he argued.

He could however not confirm if the AA was his principal’s settled choice.

Speaking on the development, a member of the interim National Working Committee of the party, who spoke in confidence with Nigerian Tribune, declared that the party’s national secretariat was not taken aback over reported moves by Peter Obi to ditch the ADC.

The national officer dismissed claims by Peter Obi supporters and closest aides that former vice president and former presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, appears most-favoured for the ADC presidential ticket.

He accused Obi of running away from a presidential convention, in spite of the fact that the party leadership conceded to his choice for the office of national organizing secretary.

He said: “What kind of democrat is he that he is running away from primary?

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“We have done everything to appease him to stay, to build this coalition. We asked him to submit his choice for the office of National Organising Secretary! That’s the most important position in the party. We have done everything to appease him. If he now feels that he can’t get what he wants, he is free to go.”

In a startling revelation, the ADC national officer disclosed that Obi has suggested to the leadership that the ADC presidential candidate should emerge through an opinion poll to pick the most popular among the presidential aspirants.

He said: “For us, we are not desperate to have him. We want to build a formidable opposition party where discipline is instilled and members subordinate themselves to party organs.

“We have a party to build and we can’t continue to pander to his demands.

“The feat he recorded in the last general elections was as a result of disaffection that trailed the APC Muslim- Muslim ticket. Those who galvanised support for him are no longer with him.”

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Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo State, has advised ex-President Goodluck Jonathan against re-entering the presidential race in 2027, stating that such a move could harm his reputation.

Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’, Oshiomhole said only those who do not mean well for Jonathan would urge him to re-enter the political arena.

The senator representing Edo north said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will easily defeat Jonathan if he decided to contest.

“How can Jonathan be a threat? We defeated him before when PDP was truly PDP,” Oshiomhole said.

“If a man had PDP at its best, at its peak, and he was defeated, I think only his enemy will push him to go into election.”

The former APC national chairman advised Jonathan to preserve his image as a respected statesman, noting that his decision to concede defeat in 2015 earned him global admiration.

“If I were able to advise him, I will say, sir, maintain this status. You governed for eight years, you don’t have to govern for nine,” he said.

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Oshiomhole added that Jonathan had “managed to demonstrate that out of power, you can be relevant and at peace”.

He also praised Jonathan’s famous concession speech, describing it as one of the most honourable acts by a Nigerian leader.

“Looking at how he ascended to that office. If I were him, I will spend the end of my life trying to find relevance, which he has already found, and speaking because that conceding defeat — that memorable quote about the blood of a Nigerian not being worth my ambition — he should just allow those legacies to be,” Oshiomhole said.

The former labour leader also said Jonathan’s political base in the south-south region has weakened since his exit from power.

“We will defeat him if he comes out very flatly because now the south-south is no longer PDP. So where is he going to start from?” he asked.

Jonathan, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2015, lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.

CALLS FOR JONATHAN’S RETURN

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There have been speculations that Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s leader from 2010 to 2015, intends to contest the 2027 election. The former president has been mum on his next political move.

The main opposition party has also been looking Jonathan’s way ahead of the next general election.

Some chieftains of the PDP, including Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi; and Abba Moro, senator representing Benue south; had disclosed that the opposition party has been wooing Jonathan to vie for its presidential ticket.

Jonathan is entitled to another term in office, having served a single term of four years, after completing the tenure of Umaru Yar’Adua, who died in office on May 5, 2010.

Recently, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, said while Jonathan is welcome to the race, Nigerians will not forget his “dismal record in office”.

The presidential spokesperson added that while Jonathan has the right to contest, the former president may have to face questions about his eligibility since he has been sworn in twice.

TheCable

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As the largest election in Africa approaches, the political landscape is buzzing with excitement about the potential candidacy of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential race.

This development opens up an interesting dialogue about the possibility of a contest between Jonathan and the incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

If Jonathan chooses to run and emerges victorious, the changes for Nigeria could be more devastating than expected with Tinubu’s tough policies are begining to manifest with various applauds from both national and international communities.

Reflecting on his past, Jonathan has attributed his electoral loss in 2015 to betrayal from within his own political ranks. During that election, he was vying for a second term but was ultimately defeated by Major General Muhammadu Buhari, representing the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC).

Now, under intense pressure from his political allies, Jonathan is actively consulting on the feasibility of contesting against Tinubu in the upcoming election. This prospect has led to a diverse range of opinions among political supporters and analysts, highlighting the divisions within the party and the electorate.

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REVEALED: Why Tinubu Likely To Appoint Another Northerner As INEC Chairman, Fresh Reason Emerges

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Meanwhile, President Tinubu’s administration is facing mounting criticism as many Nigerians grapple with the challenges posed by his economic reforms aimed at transforming the nation’s fortunes. While some are optimistic about these changes, others are growing increasingly impatient with the pace at which they are being implemented, leading some to contemplate voting out the former governor of Lagos State.

Within just two years of his administration, Tinubu’s policies have begun to take effect in various sectors, but the public is yearning for more immediate solutions to pressing issues such as poverty and economic instability.

Should Jonathan decide to enter the race and secure victory in the 2027 elections, he could bring about significant shifts in policies that might counteract Tinubu’s reforms, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences for the nation.

Several key policies that could be impacted by such a change in leadership are currently under discussion.

Education and Social Welfare
Data released by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) show that within just 12 months, the government under the Tinubu-led administration was able to give over 550,000 with a N56.85 billion disbursement as of April 2025.

Similarly, an $800 million cash transfer programme was launched to support up to 70 million Nigerians affected by economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies.

The administration also announced a monthly N45,000 stipend for technical college students across the country.

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Energy Sector Reforms
President Tinubu signed the Electricity Act into law, ending the federal monopoly in the power sector and empowering states and private entities to generate, distribute, and transmit electricity.

Data revealed that Nigeria secured the first deepwater project in over a decade, the $5 billion Bonga North Field Offshore Field, which produced 350 million barrels of crude oil. This is reflected in Tinubu’s policies to attract international investment.

Economic Indicators
Tinubu was also able to fuel an increase in the Gross Domestic Product. Nigeria’s economy experienced its strongest growth in a decade, expanding by 4.6% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by fiscal improvements and bold reforms. In 2024 alone, Nigeria achieved a balance of payments surplus of $6.83 billion, reflecting successful economic reforms and increased investor confidence.

Over $50.8 billion worth of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has overseen the signing of over $50.8 billion worth of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across critical sectors including energy, agriculture, ICT, education, transportation, healthcare, and defence. These agreements span a wide array of partners—traditional allies and emerging economies alike—reflecting a diversified, strategic, and pragmatic diplomatic approach.

Debt Service Reduction:
The percentage of revenue spent on debt service decreased from 97% to 68%, reflecting improved fiscal management. On Wednesday, May 8, 2025, Nigeria was exempted from the list of countries indebted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), having cleared off the last tranche of its $1.61 billion debt to the multilateral institution.

Infrastructure Development

Construction commenced on the 700 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, intended to smoothen connectivity between the western and southeastern regions of Nigeria.

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In May 2024, Tinubu inaugurated the ANOH and AHL Gas Processing Plants, boosting domestic gas supply by 500 million standard cubic feet per day.

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The Minister of Power and an aspiring gubernatorial candidate from the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has passionately proclaimed that his ambitions for the 2027 elections are not fueled by personal gain or selfish motives.

Adelabu emphasised that his heartfelt aspiration to govern springs from a deep-seated love for the underprivileged, those struggling to make ends meet, and the broader populace of Oyo State.

In a captivating video that gained traction on Sunday, the minister elaborated on how his political journey has been a profound lesson in patience and resilience, illuminating his commitment to serving the people with genuine compassion.

Speaking in Yoruba, Adelabu recalled his past governorship contests and declared that 2027 would mark his turn to lead.

He said, “I have been on this political journey for quite some time. In politics, I have learned that one may not always get what one deserves in a single attempt, life and politics have both taught me this lesson.

“I have paid my dues. I contested alongside Seyi Makinde in 2019 and again in 2023. Today, I declare: it is our turn, it is my turn in 2027, as God has revealed it. Adelabu! Àwálòkàn! Penkelemesi Èmilòkàn!

“We will begin our door-to-door campaign in earnest, and by the grace of God and our collective efforts, victory is not only possible, it is certain.”

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Adelabu had first declared his intention in July and has since embarked on broad consultations across the state.

According to The Nation, the minister made the remarks while addressing APC leaders, stakeholders, and members in Oke-Ogun Zone 2, comprising Oorelope, Saki East, Saki West, Olorunsogo, Irepo, and Atisbo Local Government Areas.

He promised that if given the opportunity, his administration would prioritise development and progress across the state.

Adelabu assured party members that the APC would return to power in Oyo State.

He said, “United APC owns Oyo State, PDP is a tenant in Agodi Government House. A divided house can never be victorious, APC will regain Oyo State in 2027.

“There should be internal democracy in our party, and this starts from our upcoming congress. I want to assure you that no one will impose any candidate on us; our party should unite and stand as one.”

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Jubilation yesterday greeted the news that a Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State has ordered the Police to maintain the status quo on the enforcement of vehicle tinted glass permit.

The court issued the order in suit No.FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, filed by a lawyer, John Aikpokpo-Martins, against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The order came barely hours after police operatives in the state impounded the vehicle of a judicial officer despite the pendency of a suit by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) last month challenging the legality of the exercise.

Scores of Nigerians who reacted to the news noted that enforcement of the tinted permit at this time showed insensitivity to the people’s economic plights.

Others raised concerns about the difficulty in completing the process through the digital portal, possap.gov.ng, accusing the police of reintroducing the exercise as a means to extort and harass motorists.

But there were still a handful of Nigerians who stood with the police, citing the spate of kidnapping and insecurity across the country, and the need for law enforcement officers to regulate the use of tinted permits.

In its suit filed last month, the NBA had argued that the policy was unlawful and violated citizens’ fundamental rights to dignity, privacy, and freedom of movement. It also claimed that the police’s ground for the enforcement was hinged on a 1991 Act, enacted under the military rule and contradicted the 1999 Constitution.

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But their lawsuit did not stop the police as enforcement commenced in most states as scheduled.

The enforcement, the police said, is in strict compliance with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, which remains a vital security regulation used to curb criminal activities and enhance public safety.

In Jigawa and Delta states for instance, the police intensified enforcements, impounding 20 and 25 vehicles respectively.

Spokesman for the Zamfara State Police Command told The Nation that offenders were charged to court immediately, adding that there was active enforcement across the 27 LGAs with emphasis on the state capital.

Adam added that he was not aware of any court order halting the exercise.

In Delta State, the police command through its X handle announced the clampdown on 25 vehicles for flouting the tinted permit law, vowing to sustain the tempo.

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