Goodluck Jonathan to consult widely on 2027 presidential bid as court hears eligibility suit
via Punch Nigeria6 min read
Former President Goodluck Jonathan stated he will consult widely before deciding on calls to contest the 2027 presidential election, emphasizing that the race for Nigeria’s highest office is not a “computer game.” His remarks were made on Thursday while receiving youth groups in Abuja urging him to join the race. This comes as the Federal High Court in Abuja is scheduled to hear a suit today, Friday, seeking to bar him from contesting the 2027 presidential election. The suit, filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, argues that Jonathan has exceeded the constitutional limit for holding the office of President and asks the court to declare him ineligible and restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting his candidacy. Jonathan served the unexpired term of late President Umaru Yar’Adua and then a full term after winning the 2011 election. The Nigeria Democratic Congress, however, has dismissed speculations of a pact with Jonathan for the 2027 election, stating that consultations for its presidential ticket are ongoing and no decision has been made regarding a possible Jonathan candidacy. The party’s Deputy National Spokesman, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, noted that while Jonathan is constitutionally qualified to seek office, the party currently has no pact with him.
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