Goodluck Jonathan: New Twist as Court Told to Stop GEJ From Contesting 2027 Election
- A top Nigerian court has been asked to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining former President Goodluck Jonathan
- A lawyer urged the court to stop Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election
- Bayelsa-born Jonathan is reportedly considering a 2027 presidential run with a major opposition party
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria.
FCT, Abuja - The federal high court, Abuja, has been urged to restrict former President Goodluck Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party in Nigeria with the intention of contesting the 2027 presidential election.
As reported by The Nation on Monday, October 6, the request forms part of the reliefs being sought in suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/ 2025, filed by a prominent lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi.
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Lawyer tackles Goodluck Jonathan
The Cable also noted Jideobi's request.
In the same vein, the plaintiff is praying the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated candidate of any political party for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election.
In a supporting affidavit, the complainant argued that Jonathan was first sworn in as president on May 6, 2010, following the death of then-Nigerian leader Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. GEJ, as Jonathan is fondly called, was previously the vice-president.
Jideobi stated that he recently saw reports on television stations and national dailies concerning Jonathan’s supposed intention to contest for the presidency in 2027.
The suit partly reads:
“That the plaintiff believes that the 1st defendant, having completed the unexpired term of late President Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full term after the 2011 election, has exhausted the constitutional limit of two tenures as President.
“That if the court does not intervene timeously, a political party may present the 1st defendant as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, thereby breaching the constitution.”
Source: Twitter
Legit.ng reports that Jonathan, who led Nigeria between 2010 and 2015, has not publicly declared any intention to run in the 2027 election. However, periodic reports suggesting his possible return to power have continued to surface in political circles, speculation that has now prompted a legal challenge.
If he decides to run, Jonathan may give the presidency a shot again on the platform of either the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or African Democratic Congress (ADC).
PDP chieftain lauds Jonathan's post-presidential legacy
Meanwhile, Grema Kyari, a PDP chieftain, said Jonathan ranks as one of Africa's foremost statesmen.
He praised the former president for ‘holding institutions in high regard'.
Kyari told Legit.ng:
"Dr. Jonathan left behind a legacy as the first incumbent Nigerian president to peacefully concede power, a gesture that elevated Nigeria’s democratic credentials. His international engagements since 2015 have further strengthened his image as a unifying figure and elder statesman. Many Nigerians still hold him in high regard, particularly for his commitment to peace and democratic values."
He added that if Jonathan decides to enter the 2027 presidential race, "it should be on the basis of a clear, actionable agenda for Nigeria’s future, not just nostalgia or political pressure".
He said:
"Personally, I believe his role as a statesman and mediator may, in fact, be more valuable at this stage than a return to partisan contest. However, the ultimate decision lies with him, the PDP leadership, and of course, the Nigerian electorate."
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Kenneth Okonkwo warns Jonathan
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Kenneth Okonkwo, a former chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), advised the PDP to allow Jonathan to enjoy his retirement from public office in peace, rather than luring him into the 2027 race.
Okonkwo explained that rather than luring Jonathan into the 2027 election race, the cheerleaders should allow the former Nigerian leader to enjoy his credibility.
The former LP chieftain asked Jonathan to maintain his status as an “international statesman.”
Source: Legit.ng
