A Federal High Court in Abuja has formally cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest in the 2027 presidential election.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on Tuesday, he upheld a N20 million fine against the lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, who instituted the case.
He also awarded a one-million fine against the plaintiff and in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
In addition, the judge Lifu also held that the lawyer lacked the legal right to have instituted the suit, having not suffered any loss from his perceived Jonathan’s intention to run for the 2027 poll.
The judge noted his obligation to follow the appellate court’s ruling, as a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and an Appeal Court had already cleared Jonathan to run.
Following this, he dismissed the lawyer’s lawsuit as frivolous, labelling it “an abuse of court process.”
BACKSTORY…
Recall that the Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earlier announced that it was set screen former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate.
In a statement, the PDP faction backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde named former Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, and former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi among the 14-member committee that will screen Jonathan, whom the party described as the sole aspirant.
Similarly, Umar Sani a PDP chieftain also disclosed that former President Goodluck Jonathan has purchased a presidential nomination form ahead of the 2027 general election.
Sani revealed this move during an appearance on Trust TV on Tuesday May 20.
Additionally, Sani expressed optimism that the legal challenge to Jonathan’s eligibility to run for president again would be unsuccessful.
He added that Justice Peter Lifu, who expects to hear the pending case on May 26, would likely dismiss it for lack of jurisdiction.
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