Goodluck Jonathan Demands Bold Electoral Reforms to Protect Citizens’ Votes and Strengthen Nigerian Democracy
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility, clearing the way for him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled on Tuesday that Jonathan remains qualified to seek the presidency, and awarded N20 million in damages against the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, for filing what the court described as an abuse of process.
Court upholds eligibility
Jideobi asked the court to stop Jonathan from presenting himself as a candidate and to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing his name in the 2027 election.
He argued that provisions of the 1999 Constitution disqualified Jonathan from running for office again.
However, Justice Lifu held that earlier judgments from a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had already affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility. He said the appellate court’s position remained binding.
The judge also ruled that Jideobi lacked legal standing to file the case, adding that he failed to demonstrate any personal injury arising from Jonathan’s potential candidacy.
Suit dismissed as abuse of process
Justice Lifu dismissed the suit in its entirety and rejected a separate application seeking his withdrawal from the matter, describing it as frivolous.
He also awarded N20 million in damages against Jideobi in favour of Jonathan and an additional N1 million in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
READ ALSO
- Court Clears Jonathan to Contest 2027 Presidential Election
- FCT Chairmen-Elect Call for Reforms in Local Governance
- Tinubu Winning More Grassroots Confidence Despite Opposition — Eradiri
Political backdrop
The ruling comes days after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Turaki, adopted Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has not formally declared his intention to run in 2027.
About The Author
