Court Rules Goodluck Jonathan Eligible to Contest 2027 Presidential Election

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing a suit challenging his candidacy.

Justice Peter Lifu, in his judgment on Tuesday, described the suit as “an abuse of court process” and awarded a N20 million fine against the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, in favour of Jonathan. An additional N1 million was awarded to the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The judge held that Jideobi lacked the legal right to bring the suit, having not suffered any loss from Jonathan’s perceived intention to contest the 2027 election. Justice Lifu also noted he was bound by the appellate court’s decision, as both the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had previously held that Jonathan was eligible to run.

The plaintiff had argued that Jonathan, having been sworn in twice as president, cannot contest again based on Sections 137(3) of the constitution, which bars anyone from being sworn into the office of the president more than twice. Jideobi also argued that INEC lacks constitutional power to accept Jonathan’s nomination for the 2027 election.

Jonathan’s lawyer, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), described the application as frivolous and an abuse of court process. AGF’s lawyer, Maimuna Lami-Shiru, called it “baseless, unmeritorious and an abuse of court process.”

The ruling opens the door for Jonathan to contest the presidency on any party platform in 2027, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of the general elections. Jonathan has remained publicly silent about his intentions, neither denying nor confirming any interest in returning to office.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Trust, Arise News, Independent Nigeria