The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has officially declared former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan constitutionally eligible to participate as a candidate in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
Delivering a landmark judgment on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, dismissed a restrictive lawsuit filed by human rights lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, describing the legal challenge as a gross abuse of the court process.
The plaintiff, Jideobi, had filed suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025 seeking a perpetual judicial injunction to restrain Jonathan from presenting himself to any registered political party, and to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting his nomination.
Supported by an affidavit from Emmanuel Agida, the plaintiff argued that under Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, Jonathan was barred from running because a victory would mean he would serve a cumulative total of over eight years in office across three terms, having previously completed Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's remaining tenure before winning the 2011 election.
Recommended for You
Loading stories...
In his final ruling, Justice Lifu struck out the suit on the grounds that Jideobi lacked the necessary *locus standi* (legal standing) to file the case since he suffered no personal damages.
Citing previous binding precedents from the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal, Justice Lifu awarded a N20 million fine against Jideobi in favor of Jonathan, and an additional N1 million fine in favor of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
This major legal victory comes on the heels of the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) granting Jonathan an automatic waiver to serve as their sole flagbearer.
#GoodluckJonathan #Presidency2027 #FederalHigh Court #JusticePeterLifu #PDPAwaken #NigerianPolitics #INEC2027 #AbujaLaw
Latest News
Loading...
Published by Qubes Magazine
Founder & Editor-in-Chief: Okwudili Onyido
Stay informed and ahead with breaking news, entertainment, and exclusive updates from Qubes Magazine—your trusted source for digital journalism.
Contact: info@qubesmagazine.com.ng
© 2026 Qubes Magazine. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from the publisher.
Post a Comment