A Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, ruled in favor of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election, putting to rest doubts about his qualification under the Nigerian Constitution.
This 2022 judgment, previously unpublished, confirms Jonathan’s right to run for president despite constitutional amendments.
The case arose when two Bayelsa APC members challenged Jonathan’s eligibility, citing Section 137(1)(b) and (3) of the Constitution, which restricts the number of terms a president can serve. They argued this barred Jonathan from contesting again after serving as president. However, Justice Isah Dashem ruled that Jonathan had only been elected president once in 2011 and that serving a partial term after succeeding late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2010 does not count as a full term under the law.
Additionally, the judge clarified that the 2018 constitutional amendment (Section 137(3)) that limits terms does not apply retroactively to actions or rights secured before it took effect. Since Jonathan contested and lost the 2015 election before the amendment, his right to run remains intact.
Jonathan’s aides say he is still consulting on whether to run in 2027. Sources reveal that three political parties the PDP, NNPP, and ADC have expressed interest in having him as their candidate. Many view Jonathan as a strong contender capable of challenging the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially appealing to northern voters who feel marginalized.
The court dismissed all claims against Jonathan, the APC, and INEC in the suit brought by plaintiffs Andy Solomon and Idibiye Abraham. The verdict affirms Jonathan’s constitutional right to seek one more term as president, reinforcing his position amid current political maneuvering.
This decision remains uncontested and beyond the time limit for appeals, solidifying Jonathan’s path should he choose to contest next year’s election.
