Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, 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 judge fixed May 15, 2026, for the next hearing and warned that punitive costs may be imposed against the plaintiff should there be another failure to appear.
During proceedings, counsel to the defendant, Chris Uche (SAN), drew the court’s attention to the plaintiff’s absence, noting that the matter had earlier been adjourned at the plaintiff’s request.
Justice Lifu subsequently asked the court registrar whether any formal communication had been received explaining the plaintiff’s absence. The registrar informed the court that no such communication was available.
The hearing also exposed issues surrounding the service of court processes, as it emerged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had not been served, contrary to an earlier order made by the court on May 8.
Counsel to the defendant maintained his application seeking the dismissal or striking out of the suit, arguing that the court retained the authority to do so where there was a lack of diligent prosecution.
Uche further argued that the plaintiff had a duty to ensure that all parties, particularly INEC and the AGF, were properly served in a matter involving the constitutional eligibility of a former president.
According to him, the court records showed that neither INEC nor the AGF had been properly served or filed responses in the matter.
He also urged the court to award punitive costs against the plaintiff for failing to appear without explanation.
However, Justice Lifu declined to strike out the case at this stage and instead granted the plaintiff another opportunity to proceed with the matter.
The judge directed that all parties be properly served before the next adjourned date and noted that the issue of costs would be revisited if the plaintiff failed to take the necessary steps in the proceedings.
