Jonathan faces Eligibility Suit Over 2027

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he will engage in broad consultations before deciding whether to join the 2027 presidential race, stressing that contesting for Nigeria’s top political office “is not a computer game.”

Jonathan made the statement on Thursday in Abuja when he received groups of youths who visited him to encourage him to return to active politics and enter the 2027 presidential contest. He said he had listened to their appeal but would not make any hurried or personal decision without seeking wider advice and guidance.

At the same time, legal proceedings are set to begin at the Federal High Court in Abuja today (Friday) in a case challenging his eligibility to run for president again in 2027. The suit seeks to prevent him from participating in the election on the grounds that he has already exceeded the constitutional limit for occupying the office.

The case, filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, is asking the court to declare Jonathan disqualified from contesting and to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting or publishing his name as a presidential candidate in the upcoming election.

During his meeting with the youth groups, Jonathan emphasized that leadership decisions require careful reflection and cannot be made impulsively. He reiterated that he would consult widely before taking any political step regarding 2027.

“You are asking me to come and contest the next election. The presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely,” he said.

He also commended the youths for their engagement in national issues, describing their involvement as an important part of nation-building. According to him, citizens who have no interest in the country’s progress would not bother participating in such discussions.

Jonathan urged young Nigerians to continue advocating for peace and credible elections, warning that a lack of transparency in the electoral process discourages capable individuals from entering politics.

He stressed that Nigeria’s political stability depends heavily on peaceful and fair elections, noting that without them, many qualified citizens would avoid political participation.

“The key thing we need in this country is peace, so you continue to advocate for that. And you continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections,” he said.

He also expressed concern about low voter turnout in Nigeria, saying that despite the country’s large population, electoral participation remains poor compared to many other nations he has observed.

Jonathan encouraged the youths to actively engage in the democratic process by obtaining voter cards and participating in elections, pointing out that political change cannot happen without civic involvement.

He further noted that public perception of Nigerians abroad is partly shaped by the country’s leadership and governance challenges over time.

Reaffirming his position, Jonathan said he had only listened to the calls urging him to run and would continue consultations before making any decision about his political future.

“I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the legal challenge before the court has intensified debate over his possible candidacy. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, is asking the court to determine whether Jonathan is constitutionally eligible to contest the presidency again under relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution.

The plaintiff argues that Jonathan has already served the maximum allowed terms, noting that he first assumed office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and later won the 2011 election, completing a full term in 2015.

Court documents also state that reports of a possible 2027 comeback prompted the legal action.

Justice Peter Lifu had earlier directed that hearing notices be served on all parties after they failed to respond promptly to the suit. The defendants in the case include Jonathan, the electoral commission, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The court is expected to determine whether Jonathan can legally seek another term or whether he is permanently barred from contesting the presidency again.