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Court dismisses suit seeking to disqualify GEJ from 2027 presidential poll
Federal High Court Abuja has declared former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan eligible to contest the 2027 general election.
Justice Peter Lifu on Tuesday, struck out a suit filed by Johnmary Jideobi, a legal practitioner, seeking to stop Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential election, while fining the plaintiff N20 million in favour of the former president.
Justice Lifu also awarded N1 million fine against the plaintiff, in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The judge held that Jideobi lacked the legal right to have instituted the suit, while stating that a federal high court in Yenagoa and an appeal court had earlier upheld Jonathan’s eligibility to run.
Justice Lifu described the lawyer’s suit as “an abuse of court process”, while also dismissing Jideobi’s motion seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case.
In the suit, Jideobi had listed Jonathan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the AGF as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents respectively.
Meanwhile the former president is yet to throw his hat in the ring in respect of the forthcoming general election, despite calls for him to join the 2027 presidential race.
Addressing a youth body recently in Abuja, under the aegis of Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, he noted:
“Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next elections.
“The presidential race is not a computer game, but I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely.”
