A federal high court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State has declared former Nigerian President, Dr. Jonathan Goodluck, eligible to join the presidential race of 2023.
Driving the news
The presiding judge, Justice Isa Hamma Dashen, in his verdict ruled that no law in the country’s constitution can restrict the former President from participating in 2023.
Current situation
The rumors of a likely participation of former President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in the upcoming 2023 presidential elections have been a contentious issue over the last couple of weeks.
- While unconfirmed sources say the former President joined Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, Dr Jonathan has not officially declared interest in the presidential race of 2023.
What you should know
- Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, said in an interview in April that Dr Jonathan is not eligible to contest in 2023 elections as Section 137 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 says “A person who was sworn in to complete the term for which another person was elected as President shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”
- According to Femi Falana, under the current Constitution, a President or Governor cannot spend more than 2 terms of 8 years.
- Ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC) which Goodluck Jonathan is unconfirmed sources say the former President joined, scheduled its presidential primaries for Sunday 29th and Monday 30th of May 2022.