Presidency to Jonathan: Court will decide your eligibility for 2027 race

The Presidency has dismissed speculation over former President Goodluck Jonathan’s rumoured 2027 presidential ambition, warning that his eligibility will ultimately be decided by the courts.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, reacting to comments by elder statesman Jerry Gana, said while Jonathan has the constitutional right to run, legal questions remain over whether someone sworn in twice as president can seek another term.

“President Jonathan reserves the right to contest again. But he will have his date in court. The jury will determine whether he meets the constitutional requirements to be sworn in for a third term if he wins,” Onanuga said.

The Presidency also launched a scathing critique of Jonathan’s record, accusing his administration of economic mismanagement, frivolous spending, and depleting foreign reserves despite enjoying years of high oil revenue.

According to the statement, Jonathan inherited $66bn in reserves and excess crude savings in 2010 but left behind less than $32bn by 2015. It accused his government of failing to pay salaries, presiding over corruption in oil subsidy allocations, and distributing security funds to cronies.

In contrast, the Presidency highlighted what it described as President Bola Tinubu’s “bold economic reforms,” citing 2025 GDP growth of 4.23%, falling inflation, stabilised foreign reserves at $42bn, and renewed investor confidence.

The statement added that Jonathan’s return to the race would not threaten Tinubu’s position, insisting Nigerians would not allow “the economy to be run down again.”

While Jonathan has not personally declared his intention to run, his name continues to dominate political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections.