Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in a suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, after the plaintiff and his counsel failed to appear in court.
The matter was adjourned to May 15, 2026, with the judge warning that punitive costs could be imposed on the plaintiff if there is another failure to attend proceedings.
During Monday’s sitting, counsel to the defendant, Chris Uche, SAN, drew the court’s attention to the absence of the plaintiff, noting that the case had earlier been adjourned at the plaintiff’s request.
The court also inquired from the registrar whether any explanation had been filed regarding the absence, but was informed that no communication had been received.
Issues of service of court processes also arose during the hearing, 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 a prior court directive issued on May 8.
Counsel to the defendant argued that the plaintiff had failed to diligently prosecute the matter and urged the court to strike it out, stressing that proper service and attendance were essential in a case involving the eligibility of a former president.
He further requested that the court award punitive costs against the plaintiff for failing to appear without explanation.
However, the court declined the request at this stage and granted the plaintiff another opportunity to proceed with the case, ordering that all parties be duly served before the next hearing date.
The judge stated that the issue of costs would be considered later in the proceedings if there is further default by the plaintiff.
