Reaction After Court Clears Jonathan for 2027 Presidential Contest, Slams Plaintiff with Heavy Fine
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election, ruling that he remains constitutionally qualified to run and imposing heavy financial penalties on the plaintiff.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, followed arguments seeking to bar Jonathan from the race on the basis of a constitutional amendment that allegedly restricts individuals sworn in as president more than twice from recontesting.
The court held that the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, had no legal standing to bring the case, adding that he failed to demonstrate any personal injury or constitutional breach arising from Jonathan’s possible participation in the 2027 election.
Justice Lifu also noted that earlier appellate court decisions had already settled the question of Jonathan’s eligibility, making the present suit unnecessary and without merit.
Describing the case as an abuse of court process, the judge dismissed the suit and imposed costs against the plaintiff, awarding ₦20 million in favour of Jonathan and an additional ₦1 million in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The court agreed with arguments from Jonathan’s legal team that the constitutional provision cited by the plaintiff cannot be applied retrospectively, stressing that Jonathan left office in 2015 and has not been shown to be ineligible under existing legal interpretations.
Counsel to the Attorney-General also supported the dismissal, describing the suit as baseless and lacking legal foundation, while urging the court to award costs.
Although Jonathan has not formally declared interest in the 2027 presidential race, the ruling has further intensified political discussions around his possible return, following recent endorsements from some political groups within the Peoples Democratic Party.
The court’s decision effectively removes legal barriers raised against his eligibility, leaving his political future to speculation and party dynamics ahead of the next election cycle.
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