Court backs Jonathan’s eligibility for 2027 presidential race
Goodluck Jonathan has been affirmed eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election by a Federal High Court ruling. The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) welcomed the decision, describing it as lawful and reasonable. The PDP also criticized the suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility, calling it a distraction and an abuse of court processes. The party stated that the court’s ruling, along with a previously granted screening waiver, clears the way for Jonathan’s participation in its presidential primary.
Key takeaways
- The Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to seek the presidency despite previously serving two terms.
- The PDP said the judgment aligns with the law, as laws cannot have retroactive or retrospective effect.
- The party described the suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility as “vexatious” and a “gross abuse of court processes.”
- The PDP welcomed the punitive cost imposed on the plaintiff, stating it would deter similar legal actions.
- The court ruling and a screening waiver granted by the PDP have cleared the path for Jonathan to participate in the party’s presidential primary, which will hold on May 28, 2026.
