ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — The Federal High Court in Abuja has set May 26 to deliver judgment in a suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date after parties adopted their briefs of argument. The Attorney-General of the Federation aligned with Jonathan in seeking dismissal of the case, while the Independent National Electoral Commission did not enter an appearance. Jonathan’s legal team also asked the court to impose substantial costs against the plaintiff, an Abuja-based lawyer, and opposed a motion seeking the judge’s recusal on grounds of bias.
The plaintiff argued that Jonathan, having completed the unexpired term of late President Umaru Yar’Adua from 2010 to 2011 and served a full term after winning the 2011 election, has already exhausted the constitutional limit of two presidential tenures. He asked the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself for nomination in 2027 and beyond, and to bar the electoral commission from publishing his name as a candidate. Jonathan’s defense contends that Section 137(3) of the Constitution, which restricts presidents from serving more than two terms, cannot be applied retroactively to his case.
Jonathan, born in Bayelsa State in 1957, rose from deputy governor to governor, vice president, and ultimately president following Yar’Adua’s death in 2010. He won election in 2011 but lost re-election in 2015 to Muhammadu Buhari, becoming the first Nigerian president to concede defeat peacefully. His tenure was marked by economic reforms, expansion of education, and challenges with insurgency in the northeast.
Supporters of Jonathan argue his return could stabilize Nigeria, citing his conciliatory leadership style and experience. Critics insist allowing him to run would undermine constitutional safeguards and amount to a third presidential oath. Legal analysts note conflicting precedents, with some courts previously ruling him eligible, while others argue Section 137(3) bars him. Civil society groups warn that prolonged litigation could destabilize Nigeria’s political climate ahead of 2027. On social media, reactions are divided between nostalgia for Jonathan’s tenure and frustration over recycling former leaders.
Justice Lifu said objections to the suit would be ruled on alongside the judgment.
