A Federal High Court in Kaduna has set March 17, 2014 for judgment on a case challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the presidential election in 2015.
The suit was brought before the court by two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Richard Mnenga and Shuaibu Lilli.
The plaintiffs through their lawyer, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) had also asked the court to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restrain the PDP from accepting the nomination of Jonathan as a presidential candidate in the 2015 election.
In the suit filed on October 7, 2013, the plaintiffs contended that President Jonathan would have completed eight years in office as president by 2015, calculated from May 29, 2007 and therefore sought a declaration that he is not entitled to a tenure exceeding eight years calculated from 2007.
Citing Section 308 of the Constitution, the plaintiffs argued that if Jonathan is allowed to contest the 2015 presidential election and re-elected, he would have ended up spending 10 years as president, which contravenes the constitution of Nigeria that permits only eight years for president.
Counsel to President Jonathan, Fabian Ajoku (SAN), however, argued that the plaintiffs lack “locus standi” to bring the matter before the court, adding that the suit is abusive to the defendant and as such wants the court to dismiss the suit.
Adjourning the case, Justice Evelyn Anyadike, said that all submissions by the counsels to both parties would be considered and judgment would be delivered on March 17.
According to the judge, due to the urgency of the case, especially with the approaching electioneering year, she would deliver judgment on the said date, to permanently lay the matter to rest.
