Former President Goodluck Jonathan has challenged a suit seeking to stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, amid renewed speculation and mounting political pressure over a possible comeback bid.
At the resumed proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, Jonathan’s counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), informed the court that the former president had already filed a conditional appearance, preliminary objection, counter-affidavit and written address on May 5, urging the court to dismiss the suit.
According to Uche, Jonathan only became aware of the matter through media reports and moved swiftly because of the constitutional implications surrounding his eligibility for the 2027 race. He argued that the issue had already been settled by previous decisions of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
The suit was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself as a presidential candidate to any political party and barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing his name for the 2027 election.
The plaintiff is relying on Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prevents a person who completed another president’s tenure from being elected to the office more than once. Jonathan became president in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently won election in 2011.
However, Jonathan’s legal team insists the matter has already been judicially determined.
In May 2022, Justice Isa Hamma Dashen of the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, ruled in suit number FHC/YNG/CS/86/2022 that Jonathan remained constitutionally eligible to contest for president. The court held that the 2018 constitutional amendment could not be applied retroactively against him.
The judgment also relied on an earlier Court of Appeal interpretation that disqualification under Section 137(1)(b) is tied to being “elected” president twice, not merely taking the oath of office twice. The appellate court had held that Jonathan had only been elected once — in 2011.
Justice Lifu adjourned the latest suit until May 11 for hearing of Jonathan’s objection and the substantive case, while also ordering hearing notices to be served on INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The fresh legal challenge comes amid increasing reports linking Jonathan with the 2027 presidential race. In recent months, several political groups and stakeholders have publicly urged him to run again.
Media reports in 2025 and 2026 suggested that parties and political blocs, including elements within the opposition, were consulting with the former president over a possible bid.
The Presidency had also reacted to the speculation last year, with presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stating that Jonathan had the constitutional right to contest if he wished.
Although Jonathan has repeatedly avoided making a formal declaration, recent comments attributed to him have further fuelled speculation that consultations over a possible 2027 run are ongoing.
Jonathan has said he will consult widely before deciding whether to contest the 2027 presidential election, following mounting calls from youths urging him to return to office.
Jonathan made the statement on Thursday in Abuja when members of “The Coalition for Jonathan 2027” visited his office to appeal to him to run for president on the platform of any political party of his choice.
The former president, who was welcomed by cheering supporters, described the presidency as a serious responsibility that required broad consultation and careful consideration. “Contesting the presidency is not a computer game,” Jonathan said.
“I’ve heard from the young people. I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again. But I’m telling you that I will consult. If there is need to, fine.”
While commending the protesters for their patriotism and interest in national leadership, Jonathan urged Nigerian youths to move beyond political advocacy and actively participate in the democratic process.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s low voter turnout, noting that it remained one of the poorest he had observed compared to other countries where he had served as an international election observer.
According to him, many young Nigerians calling for political change still do not possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“If I ask how many of you have your voter cards now, probably 50 per cent of you don’t even have your voter cards, and you’re asking me to go and contest the presidential election,” he said.
Jonathan called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the causes of voter apathy and develop long-term solutions to improve electoral participation.
The former president also stressed the importance of peaceful and credible elections, saying public confidence in democracy depends on transparent electoral processes.
He urged Nigerians, especially youths, to remain patriotic and committed to nation-building. “Patriotic citizens build their nations while the unpatriotic destroy them,” he stated.
Jonathan further raised concerns about the growing “Japa” trend — the migration of young Nigerians abroad in search of better opportunities — and the negative perception Nigerians sometimes face internationally.
He argued that many developed nations achieved prosperity through deliberate long-term planning and leadership focused on future generations.
“The japa syndrome in Nigeria has to stop,” he said, adding that Nigerian leaders must create hope and opportunities that encourage young people to remain in the country.
Despite supporters praising the economic conditions during his administration, Jonathan maintained that national progress could be achieved by any committed and visionary leader.
Earlier, the National President of the coalition, Dr. Tom Ohikere, appealed to Jonathan to formally declare his interest in the 2027 presidential race.
Ohikere said the group represented millions of Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines who wanted the former president to return to office.
“We are asking you to hear our cries and contest the 2027 presidential elections, Sir,” he said.
He added that the coalition was ready to support Jonathan on any political platform he chooses.
Another member of the group, Chikodiri Adogu, said many Nigerian youths viewed Jonathan as a symbol of hope and good governance.
According to him, young Nigerians desire stable electricity, improved infrastructure, quality healthcare, and a functional education system similar to what they experienced during Jonathan’s administration.
“We want to experience good governance for ourselves and have something better to give to the next generation,” Adogu said.
