The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has affirmed that former President, Goodluck Jonathan, is constitutionally eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, the court held that there is no legal impediment preventing the former leader from seeking a return to the presidency.
Justice Lifu emphasized that the issue of Jonathan’s eligibility had already been settled by a higher court, effectively clearing the path for his potential return to the political arena.
The presiding judge dismissed the suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility, labeling it as frivolous and an abuse of the court process.
The action, initiated by an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mr. Jideobi Johnmary, under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was thrown out on the grounds that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi (legal right) to institute the case.
Justice Lifu reiterated that the controversy surrounding the former president’s tenure limits had already been definitively decided by the Court of Appeal.
In the failed suit, Mr. Johnmary had queried Jonathan’s eligibility on the premise that he had already been sworn in as president on two occasions.
The lawyer, through a supporting affidavit deposed by Emmanuel Agida, argued that if Jonathan were to win the 2027 presidential election, his cumulative time in office would exceed the statutorily permitted eight-year maximum.
The plaintiff contended that since Jonathan completed the unexpired term of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full four-year term after the 2011 election, taking the oath of office in 2027 would mark an unconstitutional third tenure.
Consequently, the plaintiff had sought a court order of perpetual injunction to restrain Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for nomination, and to block the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting his candidacy for the 2027 polls.
He also sought an order compelling the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure compliance. However, with the Federal High Court’s dismissal of these prayers, the legal cloud over the former president’s eligibility ahead of the 2027 general elections has been effectively dissipated.
