The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday issued a stern rebuke against a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, and his counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, over what it described as lack of diligence in pursuing a case seeking to prevent former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the matter, also awarded a ₦1 million cost against the plaintiff in favour of Jonathan, describing the handling of the suit as “unacceptable.”

Court Faults Failure to Serve Key Defendants

The suit, filed on October 6, 2025, named the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as second and third defendants.

However, the court noted that the plaintiff failed to serve the two key institutions, despite earlier orders requiring proper service.

Justice Lifu expressed frustration over the delay, stressing that electoral-related matters require urgency due to INEC’s fixed timetable.

He ordered that all necessary court processes be served on INEC and the AGF within two hours.

Judge Criticises Absence and Delays

The judge also questioned the repeated absence of the plaintiff and his counsel during scheduled hearings, noting that the delay had stalled proceedings.

According to him, the conduct of the plaintiff—who is also a lawyer—fell short of expected professional standards.

“Punishment should lie where the fault is,” Justice Lifu stated while imposing the ₦1 million cost.

He further noted that the case had taken on a political character and must be treated with urgency.

Jonathan’s Legal Team Pushes for Dismissal

Earlier in the proceedings, counsel to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the case outright, citing repeated absence and lack of seriousness from the plaintiff.

He accused the plaintiff of attempting to “hold the court to ransom” and undermining judicial dignity.

Defence Apology and Adjournment

Midway into the hearing, counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, appeared in court and apologised for his late arrival, explaining that his vehicle broke down on the way.

After hearing all submissions, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter to May 18 for hearing of pending applications and the substantive suit.