Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has criticised plaintiff Johnmary Jideobi and his lawyer, Ndubuisi Ukpai, over what the court described as a lack of diligence in prosecuting a suit seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Describing their conduct as “unacceptable,” Justice Lifu awarded a N1 million cost against the plaintiff in favour of the former president.

The judge expressed concern that although the suit was filed on October 6, 2025, the plaintiff had failed to serve the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), listed as the 2nd and 3rd defendants, six months after instituting the case.

The court also noted that counsel to Jonathan, Chris Uche, informed the court on May 8 that the former president only became aware of the suit through media reports before filing and serving his processes.

Justice Lifu further observed that neither the plaintiff nor his counsel appeared in court on May 11 despite personally requesting that the matter be fixed for 2 p.m.

Although Uche sought a N5 million cost against the plaintiff, the judge declined the full request “in the interest of fair hearing.”

When the matter came up on Friday, only Uche and counsel to the AGF, J. D. Esho, were present in court.

Following inquiries by the judge, the court registrar confirmed that hearing notices had been served on the plaintiff and INEC.

Uche subsequently urged the court to dismiss the suit and award substantial costs, arguing that the repeated absence of the plaintiff and his lawyer showed disregard for the judicial process.

According to him, neither Jideobi nor Ukpai considered it necessary to notify the court or opposing parties of their absence.

The senior lawyer accused them of displaying “absolute disdain and disrespect” for the court process.

“The plaintiff thinks he can hold the court and other parties to ransom and stay back in the comfort of his house and drag all of us to court,” Uche said.

“They think the courts are toothless bulldogs; the dignity of the court must be protected, my lord.”

He urged the court to invoke its disciplinary powers and dismiss the matter for abuse of court process.

Counsel to the AGF, Esho, informed the court that although her office had been served with Jonathan’s response to the suit on May 11, it was yet to receive the plaintiff’s originating summons.

The registrar also confirmed that while INEC had received a hearing notice, the commission had not been served with the plaintiff’s court processes.

Midway into proceedings, Ukpai arrived in court and apologised for his lateness.

“My lord, I am sorry. I am for the plaintiff. Our vehicle broke down on the way,” he pleaded.

After hearing arguments from all parties, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until May 18 for hearing of all pending applications and the substantive suit.