Court Affirms Goodluck Jonathan’s Eligibility to Contest 2027 Presidential Election
Bernard Alibo, Abuja
E-ISSN:2354-4481
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is legally eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu held that there is no constitutional or legal barrier preventing Jonathan from seeking election to the office of President again. The court further noted that the question of his eligibility had already been addressed by the Court of Appeal.
The judge dismissed the suit filed against Jonathan by an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mr Jideobi Johnmary, describing it as frivolous and an abuse of court process. The court also held that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to institute the action.
In the originating suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, the plaintiff had challenged Jonathan’s eligibility because he had previously been sworn in as President on two separate occasions and, therefore, should not be allowed to contest again.
He asked the court to determine whether, in view of Sections 1(1), (2), and (3) as well as Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Jonathan remains eligible under any circumstance to contest the presidency of Nigeria.
Following this, the plaintiff sought a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for nomination in the 2027 general election and beyond.
He also requested an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate for the 2027 election and subsequent elections.
In addition, the plaintiff sought an order directing the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure compliance with the court’s decision.
In an affidavit supporting the suit, deposed by Emmanuel Agida, the plaintiff argued that if Jonathan were to contest and win in 2027, it would result in him exceeding the constitutional limit of eight years in office.
The affidavit further stated that Jonathan had completed the unexpired term of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full elected term after the 2011 election, and therefore had already exhausted the constitutional limit of two presidential tenures.
It also warned that allowing his candidacy could lead to a situation where he would be sworn in for a third time as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if elected in 2027.
