Court to Rule on Jonathan's 2027 Presidential Eligibility

On May 26, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to deliver a judgment concerning the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to participate in the 2027 presidential election. The case was initiated by Johnmari Jideobi, who seeks a court order to disqualify Jonathan from being a candidate.

The legal argument revolves around whether Jonathan, who has taken the presidential oath twice and left office in 2015, is lawfully able to take office again. Justice Peter Lifu is presiding over the case, which has garnered attention following a waiver granted to Jonathan by a faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, allowing him to be the sole presidential candidate for the party.

The court will consider the implications of sections 137(3) and 1(1)(2)(3) of the 1999 Constitution in its ruling.