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| Former President Goodluck Jonathan |
A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing a suit that sought to bar him on the basis that he has previously taken the presidential oath twice.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Justice Peter Lifu described the lawsuit as an abuse of court process and a waste of judicial time.
The suit, brought by an individual plaintiff, argued that Jonathan’s prior tenures disqualified him from future presidential contests. Justice Lifu, however, said the question of Jonathan’s eligibility has already been settled by higher courts.
“I am bound by the above decision of the Court of Appeal and this court; I have no more to add,” the judge said, noting the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal have resolved the matter. He therefore dismissed the case in its entirety.
Costs were awarded against the plaintiff. The court ordered the plaintiff to pay N20 million in favour of Goodluck Jonathan and N1 million in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Legal background and implications
The judgment follows earlier rulings on related challenges that reached appellate courts, which addressed whether a former president who has taken the oath of office twice is constitutionally barred from future contests. By referencing those precedents, Justice Lifu signalled that fresh, identical legal challenges are unlikely to succeed.
Legal experts say the decision reinforces the principle of finality in litigation, especially where appellate courts have already pronounced on the substantive issues. The monetary penalties also serve as a deterrent against repetitive or frivolous suits that consume court resources.
Reactions and next steps
Supporters of Jonathan welcomed the judgment as a clearance of legal obstacles ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Political observers say the ruling removes a layer of uncertainty for his potential candidacy, though other political and electoral hurdles, including party nominations and compliance with electoral regulations, remain.
The plaintiff has the legal option to appeal, but the court’s reliance on appellate precedent makes a successful challenge less likely without new grounds or evidence.
Context on Jonathan’s political standing
Goodluck Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has remained a notable figure in national politics since leaving office. His potential return to the presidential race would reshape dynamics within several political coalitions, prompting renewed interest among party leaders, stakeholders, and the electorate.
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