The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest in the 2027 general elections. Justice Peter Lifu made the declaration while delivering judgment in a suit seeking to bar Jonathan from participating in future presidential elections, citing that he had taken the oath of office twice as president.
Court Dismisses Suit as Abuse of Process
Justice Lifu dismissed the suit on the grounds that it constituted an abuse of court process. According to the judge, the suit was a waste of the court's precious time because both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal had already resolved the issue of Jonathan's eligibility. “I am bound by the above decision of the Court of Appeal and this court, I have no more to add,” Lifu stated.
Costs Imposed on Plaintiff
In addition to dismissing the suit, the court slammed a cost of N20 million against the plaintiff in favor of Jonathan and N1 million in favor of the Attorney-General of the Federation. This ruling clears the way for Jonathan to potentially contest the 2027 presidential election if he chooses to do so.
The case has been closely watched by political observers, as Jonathan's potential return to the presidential race could significantly alter the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. Details of the judgment are expected to be made available in due course.
