By Our Correspondent

National News – A Federal High Court in Abuja has cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, ending a legal challenge seeking to stop his possible return to power.

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling on Tuesday in Abuja, dismissing a suit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi against Jonathan’s eligibility for the next presidential race.

The court also upheld a N20 million fine earlier imposed on the lawyer and awarded an additional N1 million cost in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The judge ruled that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the case because he failed to show how Jonathan’s alleged ambition caused him personal harm or loss.

According to the court, previous rulings by a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had already affirmed Jonathan’s constitutional right to seek election again.

Justice Lifu described the suit as frivolous and an abuse of court process.

He explained that the court was bound by the earlier appellate court decision recognising Jonathan’s eligibility to participate in future presidential elections.

The judgment is expected to trigger fresh political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election, especially within major political parties and among supporters of the former president.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has remained influential in national and international political affairs since leaving office.

Political analysts believe the court decision may reshape early campaign calculations and alliances as political actors prepare for the next election cycle.

However, Jonathan has yet to officially declare his intention to contest the presidency in 2027.

The ruling has also drawn attention to ongoing debates about constitutional interpretation, electoral rights, and the role of the judiciary in Nigeria’s democratic process.