A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday ruled that former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to participate in the 2027 presidential election, dismissing a suit challenging his candidacy as lacking merit.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, the court held that the plaintiff, lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, had no legal standing to institute the case. The judge said the plaintiff failed to demonstrate any personal loss or direct injury arising from Jonathan’s potential bid.
Justice Lifu described the suit as “an abuse of court process” and struck it out for being frivolous. He also upheld a N20 million fine previously imposed on the plaintiff and ordered an additional N1 million penalty in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The court further noted that the matter of Jonathan’s eligibility had already been settled by earlier rulings from both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal. Justice Lifu said he was bound by those decisions, reinforcing the principle of judicial hierarchy.
“The issue of eligibility has been pronounced upon by courts of competent jurisdiction,” the judge said in his ruling, adding that reopening the matter without new legal grounds amounted to a misuse of judicial resources.
The case had drawn attention amid growing political speculation over Jonathan’s potential return to the presidential race. The former president, who served from 2010 to 2015, has not formally declared his intention to run, but discussions around his eligibility have persisted in political and legal circles.
Legal analysts say the ruling provides further clarity on the constitutional debate surrounding former presidents seeking another term. “This judgment reinforces the position that the courts have already settled the question,” said Abuja-based constitutional lawyer Ibrahim Lawal. “It also sends a message against filing speculative or politically motivated suits.”
The decision is expected to shape the legal landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, even as political actors continue to weigh their options. Further reactions from stakeholders and political parties are anticipated in the coming days.