Former President Goodluck Jonathan has received a major legal boost ahead of the 2027 general elections after a Federal High Court reportedly dismissed a suit seeking to stop him from contesting for the presidency.
The court held that the matter regarding Jonathan’s eligibility had already been settled by previous judicial decisions, insisting that there was no fresh constitutional issue requiring another interpretation. Justice Peter Lifu reportedly stated that both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal had earlier addressed the matter, making the new suit unnecessary.
The case was filed by a legal practitioner who argued that Jonathan could not seek another term because he had already been sworn in twice as president. The plaintiff relied on constitutional provisions relating to presidential tenure and asked the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting Jonathan’s nomination for the 2027 election.
Jonathan’s legal team, however, maintained that the issue had long been resolved by the courts. His lawyers argued that Jonathan’s first time in office came through constitutional succession after the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010, before he later won a fresh election in 2011.
Delivering judgment, the court reportedly dismissed the suit and awarded financial penalties against the plaintiff. The judge imposed a ₦20 million cost in favour of Jonathan and an additional ₦1 million in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The ruling has intensified political discussions ahead of the 2027 presidential race, with growing speculation over whether Jonathan may eventually declare interest in returning to active politics. Although the former president has not officially announced his ambition, recent political consultations and endorsements from some groups within the opposition have continued to fuel nationwide debate.