A federal high court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from seeking another term in office, with facts that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is constitutionally eligible to contest for the presidency, clearing the way for him to legally seek office again.
The case had challenged Jonathan’s eligibility to run for another term as president, with the plaintiffs arguing that constitutional provisions barred him from participating in a future presidential election after previously completing part of a presidential tenure before winning a full term.
However, the court struck out the suit, ruling against the attempt to prevent the former Nigerian leader from contesting. The decision has since sparked renewed political discussions across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jonathan first assumed office as Nigeria’s president in 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He later won the 2011 presidential election and served until 2015, when he lost his re-election bid to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The court’s ruling is expected to fuel speculation about Jonathan’s possible return to active presidential politics, although the former president has not officially declared any intention to run in 2027 presidential election.
Political analyst say the judgment could reshape conversations within major political parties as preparations gradually begin for the next presidential election cycle in Nigeria.
