Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in the suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election after the plaintiff and his counsel failed to appear in court.
The judge fixed May 15, 2026, for the next hearing and warned that the court could impose punitive costs if the plaintiff is absent again.
During proceedings, defence counsel Chris Uche (SAN) informed the court that the plaintiff was not in attendance despite previously requesting the adjournment. The court then asked the registrar whether any official explanation had been submitted for the absence, but none was received.
The hearing also exposed issues relating to service of court documents, as the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation had reportedly not been served, despite an earlier court directive issued on May 8.
Uche urged the court to strike out the case for lack of diligent prosecution, arguing that the plaintiff failed to ensure proper service of hearing notices and court processes in a matter of significant public interest.
He further maintained that court records showed neither INEC nor the AGF had been properly served or filed responses in the matter, while also asking the court to award punitive costs against the plaintiff.
However, Justice Lifu granted the plaintiff another opportunity and adjourned the case, directing that all parties must be properly served before the next hearing.