Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Jonathan’s Eligibility for Presidential Race

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential election, describing the case as lacking merit and constituting an abuse of court process.

The suit, filed by a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, had asked the court to restrain Jonathan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation from allowing the former president to contest the next general election.

Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu held that the plaintiff failed to establish any legal standing to institute the action, noting that he did not demonstrate any personal injury or lawful interest that would be affected by Jonathan’s alleged political ambition.

The judge further ruled that the issues raised in the case had already been settled by higher courts, adding that decisions of the appellate court were binding on the Federal High Court.

“I am bound by the decision of the appellate court,” Justice Lifu said, while dismissing the suit in its entirety.

He also described the case as an abuse of judicial process, stressing that courts must not be used to relitigate matters that have already been determined.

In addition, the court imposed financial penalties on the claimant, awarding ₦20 million in damages in favour of Jonathan and another ₦1 million in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Justice Lifu also dismissed a motion filed by the plaintiff seeking the withdrawal of the judge from the case, describing it as frivolous and unsubstantiated.

The dismissed suit had sparked public attention given renewed political discussions around Jonathan’s eligibility and possible return to the presidential race ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, first assumed office following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He later won the 2011 presidential election before losing his re-election bid in 2015 to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what remains the first defeat of an incumbent president in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Since leaving office, Jonathan has largely stayed away from active partisan politics, although he continues to be mentioned in political circles ahead of major elections, with various groups calling on him to re-enter the presidential contest.

In a recent engagement with supporters under the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, the former president said he would consult widely before making any decision about returning to the political arena.

“The presidential race is not a computer game, but I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely,” he was quoted as saying.

The latest judgment effectively clears legal uncertainties surrounding his eligibility, while reinforcing earlier judicial decisions that upheld his right to contest elective office in Nigeria.