ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is constitutionally eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment on Tuesday, held that there was no legal barrier preventing Jonathan from seeking another term in office.
The court dismissed a suit filed by an Abuja-based lawyer, Mr Jideobi Johnmary, challenging the former president’s eligibility to participate in the election.
Justice Lifu described the suit as frivolous and an abuse of court process, adding that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the case.
According to the judge, the issue surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility had already been settled by the Court of Appeal.
The plaintiff, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, argued that Jonathan was ineligible to contest because he had already been sworn in twice as president.
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He asked the court to determine whether, based on Sections 1 and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, Jonathan could still contest for the office of president under any circumstance.
The plaintiff further sought an order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for nomination ahead of the 2027 election and future presidential contests.
He also asked the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate.
In addition, the suit sought an order directing the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce the court’s decisions if granted.
In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, the plaintiff argued that Jonathan had already exhausted the constitutional maximum of eight years allowed for any Nigerian president.
He contended that Jonathan completed the unexpired tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua before serving another full term after winning the 2011 presidential election.
According to the plaintiff, if Jonathan contests and wins the 2027 election, it would amount to a third oath of office as president, which he claimed would violate the Constitution.
However, the court disagreed with the arguments and upheld Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the presidency again if he chooses to do so.