Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi seeking to prevent former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Delivering judgment, Justice Lifu awarded a N20 million cost against Jideobi in favour of Jonathan and an additional N1 million cost in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The judge 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 perceived intention to contest the election.
Justice Lifu further observed that both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had previously ruled that Jonathan was constitutionally eligible to seek the presidency again, adding that he was bound by the appellate court’s decision.
He consequently described the suit as “an abuse of court process.”
The court also dismissed Jideobi’s application seeking the judge’s recusal from the matter, describing the request as frivolous.
Jideobi had sued Jonathan, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as first to third defendants respectively.
Jonathan, who first assumed office in 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, served as vice president before winning the 2011 presidential election.
However, he lost his re-election bid in 2015 to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, marking the first time a sitting Nigerian president was defeated at the polls since the country’s return to democracy in 1999.
Although Jonathan has largely stayed away from partisan politics since leaving office, calls have continued for him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Responding recently to supporters under the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, the former president said he would consult widely before taking a decision on the matter.
“Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next elections,” Jonathan told the group during a visit in Abuja.
“The presidential race is not a computer game, but I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely.”
