A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to stop former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, describing the case as an abuse of court process.
Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the plaintiff, lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, lacked the legal standing to institute the suit because he failed to demonstrate how he suffered any personal loss or injury arising from Jonathan’s perceived intention to contest the election.
The judge also imposed financial penalties against the plaintiff, awarding ₦20 million in favour of Jonathan and an additional ₦1 million in favour of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Justice Lifu held that previous judicial decisions had already settled the issue of Jonathan’s eligibility to contest future presidential elections.
According to the court, both the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had earlier ruled that the former president remained constitutionally qualified to seek elective office.
The judge said he was bound by the appellate court’s decision and could not depart from the established legal position.
Justice Lifu further dismissed a separate motion filed by Jideobi seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case, describing the application as frivolous.
The suit had listed Jonathan as the first defendant, while the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation were joined as second and third defendants respectively.
The latest ruling is expected to reignite political discussions surrounding Jonathan’s possible return to frontline politics ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan first assumed office as president in 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, under whom he served as vice president.
The Bayelsa-born politician later won the 2011 presidential election but was defeated in 2015 by Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, marking the first time an incumbent Nigerian president lost a re-election bid since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
Since leaving office, Jonathan has largely stayed away from partisan politics while building an international reputation as a statesman and election observer across Africa.
However, calls for him to contest the 2027 election have intensified in recent months, with several political groups and youth organisations openly urging him to return to the race.
Responding to one such appeal from members of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan during a recent visit in Abuja, the former president said he would consult widely before making a final decision.
“Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next elections,” Jonathan told the group.
“The presidential race is not a computer game, but I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely,” he added.
