A Federal High Court in Abuja is set to deliver judgment today, May 26, 2026, in a suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Peter Lifu will decide whether Jonathan, who previously took the presidential oath of office twice before leaving office in 2015, can lawfully contest for the presidency again and be sworn in if elected.
The legal action comes shortly after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, reportedly endorsed Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate by granting him a waiver.
The suit was instituted by Johnmary Jideobi, who is seeking a court order preventing Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate in the 2027 presidential race.
The plaintiff also requested that the court restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting, processing, or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate.
Justice Lifu had reserved judgment after listening to arguments presented by lawyers representing both the plaintiff and the defendants.
The plaintiff asked the court to interpret relevant constitutional provisions, including Sections 1(1), 1(2), 1(3), and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, in determining whether Jonathan remains qualified to seek the presidency again.
The case is unfolding amid renewed political efforts by the Turaki-led PDP faction to position Jonathan for the 2027 general election.