Former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, has said that former President Goodluck Jonathan is constitutionally barred from contesting in the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Salami, in a statement on Thursday, cited Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended by the Fourth Alteration Act No. 16 of 2018), which prevents any person who has completed another president’s term from being elected to the office more than once.
According to him, Jonathan’s ascension to the presidency in 2010, following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and his subsequent election in 2011 already constitute two terms under the constitutional provision.
“The law is clear anyone who has served as president for more than one term, whether by election or succession, cannot contest again,” Salami stated.
He further warned that any attempt by Jonathan to recontest could lead to legal challenges and possible nullification of such a candidacy.
Meanwhile, some legal experts maintain that the amendment cannot be applied retroactively, arguing that Jonathan remains eligible to run since the constitutional change came after he left office.
The debate over Jonathan’s eligibility continues to generate reactions across political and legal circles as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
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