The Peoples Democratic Party has praised a Federal High Court judgment that affirms Goodluck Jonathan's eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election, removing a major legal obstacle to his participation in the party's primary.
Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, had faced questions about whether the constitutional two-term limit applied to him given that he assumed office mid-term following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. The court's decision settles the dispute in his favour.
The PDP said the judgment vindicates the former president and opens the way for him to seek his party's nomination ahead of the 2027 general election. Party officials described the ruling as a welcome development that respects the constitutional rights of citizens to contest for public office.
Jonathan has not yet formally announced his intention to run, but the court's affirmation of his eligibility removes a significant hurdle that could have barred him from the race entirely. The ruling means he can now participate in PDP primary elections if he chooses to do so. The court found that Jonathan's initial assumption of the presidency did not count as a full term under the constitution's two-term restriction, clearing the legal path for him to run once more. The judgment comes as the PDP prepares for its 2027 campaign and weighs potential candidates to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress government. Other prominent party members have also been mentioned as possible presidential aspirants for the election.
