TD
A Federal High Court in Abuja has cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled that Jonathan remains eligible, dismissing a suit seeking to bar him and awarding fines against the plaintiff.
The Judgment
- Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
- Court: Federal High Court, Abuja
- Judge: Justice Peter Lifu
- Ruling: Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election.
- Plaintiff: Johnmary Jideobi, who sought to restrain Jonathan from presenting himself as a candidate.
- Decision: The court dismissed the suit as an abuse of process, noting that both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had already affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility.
Key Details
- Waiver by PDP: A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, had already offered Jonathan a waiver to run as the party’s sole presidential candidate.
- Plaintiff’s Argument: Jideobi argued that Jonathan’s candidacy violated Sections 1 and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
- Court’s Response: Justice Lifu ruled that Jideobi lacked legal standing, as he had not suffered any personal loss.
- Fines:
- ₦20 million awarded in Jonathan’s favour.
- ₦1 million awarded to the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Implications
- Political Impact: Jonathan’s clearance reshapes the 2027 race, potentially positioning him as a major contender.
- Legal Precedent: The ruling reinforces earlier judgments affirming Jonathan’s eligibility, reducing uncertainty around his candidacy.
- Party Dynamics: The PDP faction’s endorsement of Jonathan could trigger internal realignments and affect opposition strategies.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Court | Federal High Court, Abuja |
| Judge | Justice Peter Lifu |
| Plaintiff | Johnmary Jideobi |
| Defendant | Goodluck Jonathan |
| Ruling | Jonathan eligible to contest 2027 election |
| Fines | ₦20m to Jonathan, ₦1m to AGF |
| PDP Position | Waiver granted by Kabiru Turaki-led faction for Jonathan as sole candidate |
| Legal Basis | Bound by earlier rulings from Yenagoa High Court and Court of Appeal |
What’s Next
Jonathan’s clearance is expected to intensify political activity ahead of the 2027 elections.
His potential candidacy could reshape alliances, trigger defections, and alter the strategies of both ruling and opposition parties.
