A Federal High Court has issued summons to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over a legal challenge questioning the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The lawsuit, filed before the court, seeks judicial interpretation of constitutional provisions relating to presidential tenure and whether Jonathan can lawfully return to the ballot after previously completing the tenure of a deceased president and later serving a full elected term.
According to court documents, the plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether Jonathan’s time in office between 2010 and 2015 disqualifies him from seeking another term under the Nigerian Constitution. The case has drawn public attention ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite the former president not officially declaring interest in the race.
The Federal High Court subsequently directed the AGF and Independent National Electoral Commission to respond to the suit and clarify their positions on the constitutional issues raised. Legal analysts say the outcome of the case could shape political conversations ahead of the next presidential contest.
Jonathan became president in 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later won the 2011 presidential election. He served until 2015 after losing his re-election bid.
Political observers believe the court action may reignite debates over constitutional term limits and succession in Nigeria’s democratic system.
However, supporters of the former president argue that the Constitution does not expressly bar him from contesting again because his first period in office resulted from constitutional succession rather than a fresh electoral mandate.
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The matter is expected to come up for further hearing in the coming weeks as the court considers arguments from all parties involved.
