By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election. Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment, ruled that the suit lacked legal standing, awarded ₦20 million costs in Jonathan’s favour, and imposed an additional ₦1 million penalty in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Court Rules Suit Lacked Legal Standing
Justice Lifu held that the plaintiff failed to establish the legal right required to institute the case. According to the court, Jideobi did not demonstrate any personal loss arising from Jonathan’s alleged intention to contest the 2027 election.
The judge further ruled that earlier decisions by both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had already affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to seek election. As a result, the court stated that it remained bound by those previous rulings.
Justice Lifu also dismissed the plaintiff’s request for the judge to withdraw from the matter. He described the application as frivolous and termed the entire case an abuse of court process.
Jonathan Maintains Position on 2027 Election
The ruling follows renewed public interest in whether Jonathan will return to active politics ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
During a meeting with members of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, the former president responded cautiously to calls for him to contest.
“Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next elections. The presidential race is not a computer game, but I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely.”
Jonathan did not formally declare his intention to run but said he would engage in consultations before making any decision.
Jonathan’s Political Journey
Jonathan first assumed office as Nigeria’s president in 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Before then, he served as vice president under Yar’Adua. He later contested and won the 2011 presidential election.
However, in 2015, Jonathan lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, marking the first time a sitting Nigerian president lost a presidential election since the return to democracy in 1999.
Although Jonathan has largely stayed away from partisan politics since leaving office, supporters continue to urge him to enter the 2027 race.
What the Judgment Means
The judgment does not confirm Jonathan’s participation in the 2027 election. Instead, it removes a legal challenge that sought to prevent him from running before any official declaration.
