Why Jonathan cannot run for president in 2027 – Justice Ayo Salami

Why Jonathan cannot run for president in 2027 – Justice Ayo Salami

Former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, has declared that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan is constitutionally ineligible to contest the 2027 presidential election, citing term-limit provisions in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

In a legal opinion addressing the controversy surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility, Salami stated that the Constitution prohibits any individual from serving more than two terms totaling eight years as president. He warned that if Jonathan were to contest and win, it would violate this provision.

“The ambition of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to contest for the office of the president for the second term in the 2027 general election is effectively and undoubtedly shot down by Sub-section (3) of Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution as altered by the Fourth Alteration Act No. 16 of 2018,” Salami said.

He added that any legal challenge to Jonathan’s candidacy would likely be upheld by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, describing the bid as “dead on arrival.”

READ ALSO:

• Nnamdi Kanu files fresh motion, seeks dismissal of charges (photos)
• BREAKING: NAF redeploys 27 Air Vice Marshals in major command reshuffle
• 650 NNPP members defect to APC in Kano

Salami cautioned those urging Jonathan to run to heed the warning often given to land speculators: caveat emptor (buyers beware).

Retroactive Application Defended

Addressing arguments that the constitutional amendment cannot apply retroactively, Salami clarified that civil and constitutional provisions differ from criminal statutes, which are protected from retroactive enforcement.

“The Constitution protects criminal rights against retroactive legislation… but does not forbid retroactive application in civil or constitutional matters,” he explained.

He cited the Interpretation Act, arguing that the Fourth Alteration Act of 2018, which amended Section 137, effectively dates back to the original enactment of the 1999 Constitution.

Salami maintained that constitutional provisions hold superior legal authority and cannot be set aside on grounds of retroactivity or unconstitutionality.

“There is no justification for the hue and cry over retroactive application,” he said.

The legal opinion has reignited debate over Jonathan’s political future, with analysts and legal experts weighing in on the implications of the constitutional amendment.

Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, has not publicly declared interest in the 2027 race, but speculation around his potential candidacy has continued to stir political discourse.

Why Jonathan cannot run for president in 2027 – Justice Ayo Salami