A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Abuja is expected to today, May 26, 2026, deliver judgment in a suit seeking the disqualification of former President Goodluck Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential election.
News Point Nigeria reports that the suit, which has generated political interest ahead of the 2027 polls, seeks a definitive interpretation of constitutional provisions regarding Jonathan’s eligibility to seek the presidency again after previously taking the oath of office twice before leaving office in 2015.
Justice Peter Lifu is expected to rule on whether the former president can lawfully contest another presidential election under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
The case comes amid renewed political developments within the Peoples Democratic Party, as a faction of the party under the leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki last week reportedly offered Jonathan a waiver to emerge as the sole presidential candidate of the party.
News Point Nigeria reports that the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, instituted the suit seeking an order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The plaintiff also urged the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting, processing, or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate for the forthcoming election.
At the last sitting, Justice Lifu fixed today, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, for judgment after hearing arguments from counsels representing both the plaintiff and the defendants in the matter.
In the suit, the plaintiff asked the court to determine whether, having regard to Sections 1(1), 1(2), 1(3), and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, Jonathan remains constitutionally qualified to seek the office of president again.
The judgment is expected to clarify lingering constitutional questions surrounding Jonathan’s possible return to presidential politics and could have wider implications for the 2027 general election.
