The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed hearing in a suit seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, following procedural setbacks in the case.

Essential News reports that the matter, which was before Justice Peter Lifu, was adjourned to May 15, 2026, after the plaintiff and his legal representative failed to appear in court.

Justice Lifu cautioned that the court may impose punitive costs if there is a repeat of the absence at the next hearing.

During Monday’s sitting, counsel to Jonathan, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), informed the court that the plaintiff was absent, noting that the matter had previously been adjourned at the plaintiff’s request.

The court registrar confirmed that no formal explanation had been submitted regarding the absence of either the plaintiff or his lawyer.

The proceedings also revealed a major procedural gap, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) and the Attorney-General of the Federation had not been served with the required court documents, despite a prior directive issued on May 8.

Jonathan’s legal team maintained its request for the suit to be struck out, arguing that the case lacked diligent prosecution.

Uche told the court that even where legal processes had been exchanged, the court still had the authority to dismiss a case if the plaintiff failed to properly pursue it.

He further stressed that in a matter involving public interest and the eligibility of a former head of state, strict compliance with court procedures was essential, including proper service of hearing notices on all parties.

The defence also noted that neither INEC nor the AGF had entered any response in the matter due to lack of proper service.

Uche urged the court to consider imposing costs on the plaintiff for failing to appear and for procedural lapses that slowed down proceedings.

In response, Justice Lifu declined to strike out the case immediately but granted the plaintiff another opportunity to appear and correct the deficiencies.

The judge ordered that all parties must be properly served before the next hearing date and warned that cost implications would be considered if there is further delay or absence.

The case will continue on May 15, 2026, as the court seeks to resolve preliminary issues before moving into substantive hearing.