Former President Goodluck Jonathan has secured a legal victory affirming his eligibility to contest future presidential elections, despite debates over constitutional limits on swearing-in terms.
The controversy stems from Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, amended in 2018, which bars anyone sworn in more than twice from holding the presidency again. Critics argue Jonathan’s 2010 and 2011 oaths of office disqualified him. However, Justice Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, ruled that the amendment cannot apply retroactively since Jonathan left office in 2015, before the alteration took effect.
The case, filed by two APC members, listed the party and INEC as co-defendants, but both failed to appear in court or file responses. The judge noted their absence implied acceptance of Jonathan’s arguments.
In his counter-affidavit, Jonathan maintained he had only been elected once, in 2011, while his 2010 oath was to complete the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure, a position previously upheld by the Court of Appeal.
Justice Dashen concluded that Jonathan remained qualified to contest, reinforcing speculations of his potential return in 2027. PDP leaders are reportedly pushing for his candidacy, while the ruling APC and other political figures are closely monitoring developments.
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