Court Clears Jonathan for 2027 Presidential Race

Court Clears Jonathan for 2027 Presidential Race

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing a suit seeking to bar him from participating in the race.

The case was filed by Johnmary Jideobi, who asked the court to restrain Jonathan from presenting himself as a candidate and to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or processing his nomination for the 2027 election.

Jideobi argued that provisions of the 1999 Constitution disqualify Jonathan from seeking another term as president. However, in a judgment delivered on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the suit, noting that he had not suffered any personal injury or loss arising from Jonathan’s perceived ambition.

The court further stated that previous decisions by both the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had already affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the presidency. Justice Lifu emphasized that he was bound by the appellate court’s ruling.

Describing the suit as an abuse of court process, the judge dismissed the case and awarded costs against the plaintiff. The court ordered Jideobi to pay ₦20 million in damages to Jonathan and an additional ₦1 million to the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Justice Lifu also dismissed a separate application seeking his withdrawal from the case, describing it as frivolous.

The ruling comes amid growing political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with some groups within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly expressing support for Jonathan’s potential return to the presidential contest.

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