By Sandra Ugwu

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is constitutionally qualified to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu held that there is no legal restriction preventing the former Nigerian leader from seeking another term in office, noting that the issue of his eligibility had previously been settled by the Court of Appeal.

The court consequently dismissed a suit filed against Jonathan by an Abuja-based lawyer, Mr. Jideobi Johnmary, describing the case as frivolous and an abuse of court process. Justice Lifu also ruled that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi, or legal right, to institute the action.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, the plaintiff challenged Jonathan’s eligibility on the grounds that he had already taken the presidential oath twice — first after the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and later following his election in 2011.

The plaintiff urged the court to restrain Jonathan from contesting the 2027 election or any future presidential election and also sought an order preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing his name as a candidate.

According to the plaintiff, allowing Jonathan to contest again would amount to exceeding the constitutional limit of eight years in office as provided under the 1999 Constitution.

However, the court rejected the argument and affirmed that the former president remains eligible to participate in the 2027 presidential contest.

The judgment is expected to fuel fresh political debate and speculation over Jonathan’s possible return to active presidential politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.