Amanze Chinonye
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to disqualify former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, in a ruling that clears a major legal hurdle surrounding speculation about his eligibility, Prime Business Africa reports.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the suit amounted to an abuse of court process and awarded costs against the plaintiff.
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The case was filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who had asked the court to determine whether Jonathan remains constitutionally eligible to contest another presidential election, given his previous tenure as Nigeria’s leader.
Jideobi had urged the court to interpret provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3), arguing that Jonathan, having previously taken the presidential oath of office, should be barred from seeking the position again.
He also sought orders restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting Jonathan as a candidate for the 2027 election and preventing any political party from presenting him.
Jonathan, through his legal team, opposed the suit, arguing that it lacked merit and that the constitutional provisions cited could not be applied retroactively. His lawyers maintained that Jonathan first assumed office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and was later elected in 2011 before completing a full term in 2015.
The Attorney-General of the Federation also supported the position that the suit disclosed no reasonable cause of action.
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In its ruling, the court agreed with the defence, dismissing the matter and describing it as misconceived. The decision effectively ends the legal challenge seeking to bar the former president from future presidential contests.
The judgment is expected to further shape political debate around Jonathan’s eligibility as speculation continues over possible alignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
