A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 general elections, dismissing a suit that sought to bar him from the race.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Tuesday, striking out the case filed by Abuja-based lawyer Jideobi Johnmary, who argued that Jonathan should be disqualified on the basis that he had been sworn in twice as president.
The judge described the suit as an abuse of court process, insisting the issue of Jonathan’s eligibility had already been settled by higher courts.
He said the court was bound by earlier decisions, adding that there was nothing new for it to decide.
“I am bound by the above decision of the Court of Appeal and this court; I have no more to add,” Justice Lifu stated.
The case was thrown out as a waste of judicial time.
In addition, the court imposed heavy financial penalties on the plaintiff, ordering him to pay N20 million in favour of Jonathan and another N1 million to the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The ruling effectively clears lingering legal arguments around Jonathan’s eligibility, reinforcing earlier appellate decisions on the matter.
