Court Affirms Jonathan’s Eligibility to Contest 2027 Presidential Election
Federal High Court dismisses suit challenging former president’s eligibility, says existing legal decisions already settled the matter
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan remains eligible to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, dismissing a suit that sought to stop him from returning to the ballot.
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest in the 2027 presidential election.
Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu held that there is no legal barrier preventing Jonathan from seeking another term in office and stated that the issue of his eligibility had already been addressed by the Court of Appeal.
The court dismissed the suit filed by Abuja-based legal practitioner, Jideobi Johnmary, describing it as frivolous and an abuse of court process.
Justice Lifu further held that the plaintiff lacked the required legal standing, known as locus standi, to institute the action.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, the plaintiff questioned Jonathan’s eligibility based on the argument that he had previously taken the presidential oath on two separate occasions.
The suit asked the court to interpret constitutional provisions relating to presidential tenure and determine whether Jonathan could legally seek election again.
Among the reliefs sought by the plaintiff were orders permanently restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for presidential nomination and preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing his candidacy.
The plaintiff also requested that the Attorney-General of the Federation be directed to enforce the court’s decisions.
Supporting the suit through an affidavit, the plaintiff argued that Jonathan had completed the remaining tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later served a full term after winning the 2011 election.
According to the argument presented, another victory in 2027 would result in Jonathan exceeding the constitutional limit for presidential tenure.
However, the court rejected the challenge and upheld Jonathan’s eligibility, leaving open the legal possibility for the former president to contest if he chooses to participate in the 2027 election.
