The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed a suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to the 2027 presidential election.
The judge, Peter Lifu, in a judgement, also awarded a N20 million fine against the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, who filed the suit based on a constitutional amendment prohibiting anyone from being sworn into the office of the president more than twice. The fine was awarded in favour of Mr Jonathan.
The judge also awarded a N1 million fine against the plaintiff and in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Mr Lifu held that Mr Jideobi lacked the legal right to institute the suit, having not suffered any loss from Mr Jonathan’s perceived intention to vie for the 2027 presidential election.
The judge said he was bound by the appellate court’s decision, as the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had already held that Mr Jonathan was eligible to run.
