A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to prevent former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment, described the suit as an abuse of court process and imposed a N20 million cost against the plaintiff, lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, in favour of Jonathan.
The court also awarded an additional N1 million cost against the plaintiff in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Justice Lifu held that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the suit, noting that he failed to demonstrate any personal injury or loss arising from Jonathan’s possible participation in the 2027 election.
The judge further stated that previous judgments delivered by a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and affirmed by the Court of Appeal had already established Jonathan’s eligibility to contest, adding that the court was bound by those decisions.
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The court also dismissed a separate application filed by the plaintiff seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the matter, describing the request as frivolous.
Jideobi had filed the suit against Jonathan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Jonathan, who became president in 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, later won the 2011 presidential election before losing to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Although the former president has largely stayed away from partisan politics since leaving office, groups and supporters have continued to urge him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Reacting recently to calls for his return, Jonathan said he would consult widely before making any decision regarding the race.
