Former President Goodluck Jonathan has once again become the centre of Nigeria’s political conversation as speculations about his possible return to the ballot in 2027 trigger heated legal and political arguments.
Respected human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) insists that Jonathan is not eligible to run. According to him, the 1999 Constitution makes it clear that anyone who has been sworn in to complete another person’s term cannot contest more than once afterwards. Falana stated, “Jonathan cannot contest,” stressing that the Supreme Court has already applied the rule in a way that places the former president within its scope.
In a similar tone, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against fielding Jonathan in the next election. He argued that such a move could create legal jeopardy under Section 137(3) of the Constitution. “Fielding Jonathan could expose the PDP to a constitutional risk… the legal question remains unsettled and could be decided only by the Supreme Court,” Keyamo said.
Not all legal minds agree with this view. Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome has strongly defended Jonathan’s eligibility, describing any attempt to stop him as “grossly unfair, unconstitutional, unconscionable and inequitable.” He argued that both the law and previous judicial interpretations favour Jonathan’s right to contest.
Jonathan himself has kept silent on the matter, avoiding a direct statement about his intentions. Meanwhile, former senator Shehu Sani has offered political advice, urging Jonathan not to return to the race, warning that divisions within the PDP could work against him.
