Court Clears Jonathan for 2027 Election

A Federal High Court in Abuja has cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan>>> to contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing a suit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi>>> that sought to bar him. Justice Peter Lifu described the suit as frivolous and an abuse of court process, citing previous rulings by the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal that had already affirmed Goodluck Jonathan>>>'s eligibility. The court also ruled that Johnmary Jideobi>>> lacked the legal standing to institute the suit and imposed a N20 million fine in favor of Goodluck Jonathan>>> and an additional N1 million cost in favor of the Nigeria — Attorney General of the Federation>>>. The suit had argued that Goodluck Jonathan>>> was barred under the 1999 Constitution due to having taken the presidential oath twice, first after succeeding late President Umaru Musa Yar Adua>>> in 2010 and then after winning the 2011 election. However, the court aligned with earlier judicial interpretations that his first assumption of office was constitutional succession, not an election victory, and that the 2018 constitutional amendment could not be applied retroactively. This judgment is expected to intensify political discussions in Nigeria>>> ahead of the 2027 elections, especially given reports of a faction within the Nigeria — People s Democratic Party>>> proposing Goodluck Jonathan>>> as a possible sole candidate.