2027: Jonathan considers comeback as Court hears eligibility suit today

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he will consult widely before deciding whether to contest the 2027 presidential election, as a Federal High Court in Abuja prepares to hear a suit challenging his eligibility to return to office.

Mr Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday while receiving youth groups at his office in Abuja, where they urged him to join the 2027 presidential race.

“You are asking me to come and contest the next election. The presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely,” he said.

Jonathan calls for credible elections

The former President commended the youths for showing interest in Nigeria’s future, describing patriotism as essential to nation-building.

“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added.

Mr Jonathan also urged young Nigerians to advocate for peaceful and credible elections, warning that flawed electoral processes discourage competent citizens from participating in politics.

“The key thing we need in this country is peace… because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to bother to get involved in politics,” he stated.

Concern over low voter turnout

The former President lamented Nigeria’s poor voter participation compared to other countries where he had observed elections.

“Nigeria has the lowest turnout in every election cycle,” he said.

Mr Jonathan urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to study the causes of voter apathy and challenged youths to participate actively in elections by obtaining voter cards.

“If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card now, probably 50 per cent of you don’t have your voter’s card,” he noted.

Court to hear eligibility suit

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja is scheduled to hear a suit today challenging Mr Jonathan’s constitutional eligibility to contest the presidency again.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is seeking an order restraining Mr Jonathan from contesting the 2027 election.

The plaintiff also asked the court to stop INEC from accepting or publishing Mr Jonathan’s name as a candidate.

Justice Peter Lifu had on 28 April 2026 ordered hearing notices to be served on the defendants after they allegedly failed to respond to the suit.

Mr Jonathan is listed as the first defendant, while INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation are joined as second and third defendants respectively.

Constitutional argument

Mr Jideobi argued that Mr Jonathan had already exhausted the constitutional two-term limit after completing the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua following his death on 5 May 2010, before winning a full term in the 2011 election.

According to the plaintiff, another victory in 2027 would amount to Mr Jonathan taking the presidential oath for a third time, contrary to constitutional provisions.

The affidavit supporting the suit stated that the case was filed “in the public interest” to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s constitutional order.

NDC denies pact with Jonathan

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has, however, denied reports of any agreement with Mr Jonathan regarding its 2027 presidential ticket.

Speaking in Abuja, the party’s Deputy National Spokesman, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, said consultations were still ongoing.

“The NDC is a party that believes in merging ideas and consultations across boards… we have not zoned the presidential ticket,” he said.

Mr Abdulsalam added that the party was attracting interest from several high-profile politicians, including former governors, ministers, and lawmakers.

“This is another rumour making the rounds that former President Jonathan wants to pitch his tent in our party… as of today, we have no pact with him,” he stated.

Despite the denial, speculation over Mr Jonathan’s political future continues to dominate discussions within opposition circles, especially as coalition talks and party defections reshape the political landscape ahead of 2027.

Observers say the court’s decision on the eligibility suit could significantly influence conversations around a possible Jonathan comeback and broader opposition strategies against the ruling All Progressives Congress.