A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan to participate in the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Tuesday while dismissing a suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the election.
The court also upheld a N20 million fine against the lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, who filed the case.
In addition, the judge awarded a separate N1 million cost against the plaintiff in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Court Dismisses Suit
Justice Lifu ruled that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing required to institute the suit, noting that he failed to show any personal injury or loss connected to Jonathan’s alleged intention to contest the election.
According to the judge, earlier decisions by a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had already affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to run for office.
The judge stated that he was bound by the decisions of the appellate court.
Judge Describes Case As Abuse Of Court Process
The court further described the lawsuit as frivolous and an abuse of court process before dismissing it in its entirety.
The ruling is expected to reignite political discussions over Jonathan’s possible return to presidential politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015.
More details are expected to emerge following the judgment.
