Court declares former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan eligible for 2027 presidential election

A Federal High Court in Abuja has reportedly ruled that former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election. The judgment was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, who dismissed a suit seeking to stop Jonathan from running again for office. 

According to reports by Vanguard Nigeria and other Nigerian media outlets, the court held that there is no constitutional barrier preventing Jonathan from seeking the presidency again in 2027. 

The lawsuit had argued that Jonathan would violate constitutional term limits if allowed to contest again, since he previously completed the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua before winning the 2011 election. However, the court reportedly stated that the matter had already been substantially addressed in previous appellate decisions. 

Justice Lifu also reportedly dismissed the suit as “frivolous” and an abuse of court process, while awarding costs against the plaintiff. 

The ruling has reignited political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections, although Jonathan has not officially declared any intention to run for president.

The ruling has reignited political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections, although Jonathan has not officially declared any intention to run for president.