Goodluck Jonathan Cleared for 2027 Presidential Race
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan can legally contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. The judgment followed a legal challenge seeking to block his eligibility and stop INEC from recognising his candidacy.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Goodluck Jonathan can contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election without any constitutional restriction.
The court decision followed a legal challenge filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who sought to stop the former president from joining the 2027 presidential election race. Jideobi asked the court to prevent Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate. He also urged the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name for the election process.
The case came shortly after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, reportedly granted Jonathan a waiver and endorsed him as its preferred candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The development sparked fresh debate over Jonathan’s eligibility under Nigeria’s Constitution.
During proceedings, the plaintiff asked the court to interpret Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution to determine whether the former president could seek office again.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that Jonathan remains eligible to run for president and may legally participate in the 2027 presidential election. The ruling effectively removes the legal barrier raised against the former Nigerian leader and keeps open the possibility of his return to national politics.
The judgment is expected to fuel further political discussions within the PDP and across Nigeria’s wider political landscape ahead of the next general election.
Could this court ruling reshape political alliances before Nigeria’s 2027 election?
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