A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja is expected to deliver judgment today in a suit seeking the disqualification of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu is also expected to determine whether Jonathan remains constitutionally eligible to take the oath of office again, having previously been sworn in twice before leaving office in 2015.
The legal challenge was filed by Johnmary Jideobi, who is seeking a court order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The suit also seeks to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting, processing, or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate.
According to the plaintiff, the court is expected to interpret Sections 1(1), (2), (3), and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution to determine whether the former president is still qualified to seek the nation’s highest office.
Meanwhile, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, reportedly offered Jonathan a waiver last week, naming him as the party’s sole presidential candidate.
Justice Lifu had fixed today for judgment after hearing arguments from counsels representing both the plaintiff and the defendant last week. The ruling is expected to provide clarity on Jonathan’s political future ahead of the 2027 general election.
