By Peace Udugba
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed a suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, ruling that the case was incompetent and amounted to an abuse of court process.
Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu held that the suit lacked merit and awarded a total cost of ₦21 million against the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi.
Of the amount, ₦20 million was awarded in favour of Jonathan, while ₦1 million was awarded to the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The suit also joined the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants, seeking to bar Jonathan from contesting on the grounds that constitutional provisions prohibit a person from being sworn in as president more than twice.
The plaintiff had argued that Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution disqualifies Jonathan from further presidential contest, urging the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting any nomination linked to him.
However, the court held that the plaintiff lacked locus standi, ruling that he failed to demonstrate any personal injury arising from Jonathan’s alleged political ambition.
Justice Lifu also relied on earlier appellate decisions which, according to the court, had already affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to run for office.
The judge further described the suit as an abuse of judicial process and dismissed an application seeking his recusal over allegations of bias.
Counsel to Jonathan and the Attorney-General opposed the suit, urging the court to dismiss it and award substantial costs.
They also argued that the constitutional provision cited could not be applied retrospectively, noting that Jonathan last contested in 2015.
The court noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission did not file a defence in the matter, and its case was subsequently foreclosed.
Meanwhile, Jonathan has not publicly declared any intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, although political speculation continues.
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party had reportedly named him as a preferred candidate, but he has yet to formally accept or reject the nomination.
