Court clears Jonathan to Join 2027 Presidential race

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to take part in the 2027 presidential election, bringing an end to a legal challenge that questioned his qualification to contest.

The decision was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, who dismissed the suit filed against Jonathan’s possible participation in the election. The court also maintained a N20 million penalty against the lawyer who initiated the case and awarded an additional N1 million cost in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

According to the ruling, the court found that the plaintiff had no legal standing to bring the matter because he did not show that he suffered any direct injury or personal loss connected to Jonathan’s reported intention to contest.

Justice Lifu also stated that earlier decisions by courts had already addressed the issue. He noted that both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had previously ruled that Jonathan remained qualified to seek the presidency if he chose to do so.

Based on those earlier decisions, the judge held that the court was bound to follow the existing legal position and could not depart from it. He concluded that the case lacked merit and described it as an improper use of the judicial process.

The judgment means there is currently no court restriction preventing Jonathan from entering the 2027 presidential contest. However, the ruling does not amount to a declaration of candidacy, as no official announcement has been made by the former president regarding participation in the election.

The development has already drawn attention within political circles as parties continue early preparations and alignments ahead of the next general election.