Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Delivering judgment, Justice Lifu also awarded a ₦20 million fine against Jideobi in favour of Jonathan.
The court further awarded ₦1 million against the plaintiff in favour of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Justice Lifu held that Jideobi lacked the legal standing to institute the suit, noting that he had not suffered any injury or loss arising from Jonathan’s perceived intention to contest the 2027 election.
The judge stated that both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had earlier ruled that Jonathan was eligible to contest, adding that he was bound by the appellate court’s decision.
He subsequently described the suit as “an abuse of court process.”
Justice Lifu also dismissed the plaintiff’s application seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case, describing the motion as frivolous.
Jideobi had filed the suit against Jonathan, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation as first to third defendants respectively.
Jonathan first assumed office as president in 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, under whom he served as vice president.
He later won the 2011 presidential election but lost his re-election bid in 2015 to former President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC, marking the first time an incumbent president lost an election since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Despite repeated calls for him to contest the 2027 election, Jonathan has largely stayed away from active partisan politics since leaving office.
Speaking previously to members of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, the former president said he would consult widely before making a decision on whether to contest.
“Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next elections,” Jonathan told the group.
“The presidential race is not a computer game, but I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely.”
