Dare Babalola
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 constituted an abuse of court process.
In the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, the court also imposed a total cost of ₦21 million against the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, who initiated the action.
Of the sum, ₦20 million was awarded in favour of Jonathan, while ₦1 million was awarded to the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The suit, which also joined the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants, sought to bar Jonathan from contesting on the grounds that constitutional provisions prohibit a person from being sworn in as president more than twice.
Jideobi argued that Section 137(3) of the Constitution disqualified Jonathan from further contesting, and urged the court to restrain INEC from accepting any nomination linked to him.
However, Justice Lifu held that the plaintiff lacked locus standi, noting that he failed to demonstrate any personal injury arising from Jonathan’s alleged political ambition.
The court also relied on earlier appellate decisions which, according to it, had already affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to run.
The judge further described the suit as an abuse of judicial process, while also rejecting an application seeking his recusal from the case on grounds of alleged bias.
Lawyers representing Jonathan and the Attorney-General had opposed the suit, urging the court to dismiss it and award substantial costs.
Jonathan’s legal team also argued that the constitutional provision cited could not be applied retrospectively, since the former president last contested in 2015.
Recall that INEC did not file a defence in the matter, and its case was subsequently foreclosed by the court.
At present, Jonathan has not publicly confirmed any intention to contest the 2027 election, despite ongoing political speculation.
While a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party recently named him as a preferred candidate, he has yet to accept or reject the nomination.
