Former President Jonathan's eligibility for 2027 presidential election debated

Jonathan served as Vice President from 2007, becoming President in May 2010 after the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua. He won the 2011 election but lost his re-election bid in 2015. Legal experts cite Section 1373 of the 1999 Constitution, introduced in 2017, which states that a person sworn in as President to complete another's term cannot be elected for more than a single term.

The debate centers on whether this provision can be applied retroactively to Jonathan, as it was enacted after he left office. A recent Federal High Court ruling in Akure concerning Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was sworn in to complete a predecessor's term and later elected, has intensified the discussion. The court held that no elected executive can remain in office beyond the constitutionally permitted period.

While this ruling is seen by some as reinforcing the argument against Jonathan's eligibility, legal opinions remain divided, suggesting a new court ruling may be needed for a definitive resolution.