A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, ruled that the plaintiff, lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, lacked the legal standing to file the case, noting that he failed to demonstrate any personal injury or loss arising from Jonathan’s alleged intention to run.
Justice Lifu held that the matter had already been settled by previous judgments, including decisions of a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal, which affirmed that Jonathan is constitutionally permitted to contest future elections. He added that the court was bound by those appellate rulings.
Describing the suit as an abuse of court process, the judge dismissed it as frivolous.
The court also upheld a ₦20 million fine earlier imposed on the lawyer and ordered an additional ₦1 million fine each against both the plaintiff and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The judgment has effectively put to rest fresh legal attempts to bar the former president from participating in the 2027 presidential race.
