Nigeria TV Info

Court Clears Jonathan for 2027 Presidential Race

ABUJA — The debate over former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election has taken a new turn after a court ruling removed legal obstacles to his participation.

Critics had argued that Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) barred Jonathan from seeking office again, citing his swearing-in in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, and again in 2011 after winning election. However, the law, which limits anyone from being sworn in more than twice, only came into effect in 2018 — three years after Jonathan left office in 2015.

The Federal High Court in Yenagoa, presided over by Justice Isa H. Dashen, ruled in May 2022 that the constitutional provision could not be applied retroactively against Jonathan. The judge upheld Jonathan’s position that nothing in law disqualified him from future presidential contests.

Interestingly, both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who were joined as defendants in the case filed by two APC members, failed to appear or file any response despite being duly served. Justice Dashen noted their absence signified acceptance of the facts as presented by Jonathan and the plaintiffs.

Meanwhile, some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders are reportedly mounting pressure on Jonathan to run under the party’s banner in 2027.