A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Peter Lifu, who held that Jonathan is legally qualified to participate in the presidential race and may seek election under any political party of his choice.

The ruling followed a suit filed by Johnmary Jideobi, who had asked the court to restrain Jonathan from presenting himself as a candidate in the 2027 general election and to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing his name.

The plaintiff also urged the court to interpret Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution in relation to Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the presidency again.

However, Justice Lifu dismissed the suit, describing it as an abuse of court process.

He held that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the case, noting that no personal injury was established arising from Jonathan’s political ambitions.

The judge further stated that earlier rulings by both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had already affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility, adding that he was bound by those decisions.

Justice Lifu also ruled that the application seeking his withdrawal from the case was frivolous and without merit.

In his judgment, the court imposed a ₦20 million fine on the plaintiff in favour of Jonathan and an additional ₦1 million fine in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The ruling effectively removes legal uncertainty surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as political realignments continue to gather momentum across parties.