Court Slaps Plaintiff with N1m Fine for Gross Misconduct as Eligibility Suit Against Jonathan Suffers Setback

By Tgnews Reporter

In a sharp rebuke of procedural abuse, a Federal High Court in Abuja has imposed a N1,000,000 fine on the plaintiff in the controversial suit seeking to bar former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling after finding the plaintiff, identified as legal practitioner Johnmary Jideobi, guilty of gross misconduct in the handling of the case. The court described the plaintiff’s actions as a clear demonstration of lack of diligence and an attempt to waste judicial time.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, had sought a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself as a presidential candidate for any political party, citing constitutional eligibility issues.

However, proceedings have been repeatedly stalled due to the repeated absence of the plaintiff and key defendants, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

At the latest hearing, only counsel to former President Jonathan, Chris Uche (SAN), was present in court.

Uche had urged the court to dismiss the suit outright for want of diligent prosecution, describing it as a “gross abuse of court process” and an attempt to secure a pre-emptive political judgment. He initially prayed for a substantially higher cost of N5 million against the plaintiff.

While the court declined to strike out the matter immediately, Justice Lifu expressed strong displeasure at the plaintiff’s conduct and proceeded to fine him N1,000,000, to be paid within a specified period.

The judge adjourned the case to allow all parties, particularly INEC, to be properly represented, while warning that further defaults would attract stricter sanctions, including possible dismissal of the suit.

Reacting to the development, legal observers noted that the fine serves as a strong signal against frivolous or poorly prosecuted litigation, especially on high-profile political matters.

Jonathan’s legal team described the ruling as a victory for due process and a setback for what they termed politically motivated litigation.

This latest development comes amid heightened political activities as aspirants begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections. Former President Jonathan has maintained that no constitutional provision bars him from contesting, a position his counsel has vigorously defended in court filings.