Court to rule on Jonathan’s eligibility for 2027 presidential race today

A federal high court sitting in Abuja will today, May 26, 2026, deliver judgment in a suit challenging the eligibility of Goodluck Jonathan, a former president, to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Peter Lifu is expected to rule on whether Jonathan remains qualified to seek the office of President again, particularly in view of constitutional provisions relating to tenure limits and oath-taking.

The suit, filed by a plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, is seeking an order restraining the former president from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate in the forthcoming election.

The plaintiff is also asking the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting, processing, or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate.

At the heart of the case is a constitutional interpretation of Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which the court is expected to consider in determining his eligibility.

Last week, the court fixed today for judgment after hearing arguments from lawyers representing both the plaintiff and the defendant.

The ruling is expected to have significant political implications, as Jonathan has recently been linked to renewed presidential discussions, including reports that a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had offered him a waiver as a potential candidate for 2027.