A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is legally eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election. The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, affirmed that no constitutional barrier prevents Jonathan from seeking a return to office.
Justice Lifu noted that the issue of Jonathan’s eligibility had already been settled by the Court of Appeal, dismissing the fresh suit filed against him as frivolous and an abuse of judicial process. The case was brought by Abuja-based lawyer Jideobi Johnmary, who argued that Jonathan had already been sworn in twice and therefore exceeded the constitutional limit.
The plaintiff sought an injunction to bar Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for nomination, and to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting his candidacy. He also asked the court to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce compliance with such orders.
In his affidavit, the plaintiff contended that Jonathan’s potential victory in 2027 would extend his time in office beyond the constitutionally permitted eight years. He argued that Jonathan’s completion of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s term, followed by his own full tenure after the 2011 election, had already exhausted his two term limit.
Justice Lifu rejected the argument, ruling that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the case. He emphasized that the matter had been conclusively addressed in prior judgments, making further litigation unnecessary.
The decision has sparked reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. Supporters of Jonathan welcomed the ruling as a vindication of his right to participate in the democratic process, while critics warned that his return could reignite debates over tenure limits and constitutional interpretation. The judgment now clears the path for Jonathan to seek nomination from any political party ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
