Former President Goodluck Jonathan has received a major legal boost ahead of the 2027 general election after a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit seeking to stop him from contesting for the presidency again. The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, affirmed that Jonathan remains constitutionally eligible to participate in the 2027 presidential election despite arguments that he had already taken the presidential oath twice.
The case was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who argued that Jonathan would violate constitutional term limits if allowed to contest again. According to the plaintiff, a fresh four-year term beginning in 2027 would push Jonathan beyond the maximum number of years permitted for a Nigerian president. The suit also sought an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting Jonathan’s candidacy should he decide to run.
However, the court rejected the arguments and described the suit as an abuse of court process. Justice Lifu held that the issue of Jonathan’s eligibility had already been settled by previous judicial decisions, including rulings from both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The judge stated that he was bound by those earlier decisions and saw no reason to depart from them. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
In a strong rebuke to the plaintiff, the court imposed heavy financial penalties, awarding N20 million damages in favour of Jonathan and an additional N1 million in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The judge also dismissed an application asking him to withdraw from the case, describing it as frivolous and lacking merit.
The ruling has already sparked reactions within Nigeria’s political space, particularly among members of the Peoples Democratic Party. A faction of the PDP welcomed the judgment, saying it aligned with constitutional principles and common sense. Party officials argued that the constitutional amendment on presidential term limits could not be applied retroactively to Jonathan’s unique situation, since he only won one presidential election despite completing the tenure of his late predecessor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Although Jonathan has not officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 election, the court’s decision removes a major legal obstacle that could have blocked any future ambition. Political observers believe the verdict may further intensify speculation surrounding a possible return bid by the former Nigerian leader as conversations ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum across the country.
