Why Jonathan Can’t Contest in 2027 – Justice Salami Explains in Detail

A former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, has stated that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan is not qualified to run in the 2027 presidential election.

Salami made this known while reacting to talks about Jonathan’s possible return to the race. According to him, the Nigerian Constitution has already settled the matter and bars Jonathan from contesting again.

He maintained that Jonathan has already hit the constitutional ceiling of two presidential terms and cannot occupy the office again without violating the law.

Constitution Prevents Jonathan From Exceeding Eight-Year Limit
Justice Salami explained that the constitution clearly restricts any person from being President for more than eight years.

The prominent Justice stated that Jonathan completed the remainder of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s term before winning an election of his own, making any further attempt unlawful.

He stressed that if Jonathan contests and wins, the victory would not stand. The courts, he said, would nullify such a mandate.

Fourth Alteration Act Makes the Restriction Legally Binding
The retired jurist pointed to the Fourth Alteration Act, No. 16 of 2018, saying it firmly enforces the two-term limit.

In his words, “It is painstakingly and dispassionately demonstrated abundantly to all and sundry that 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…”

Salami added that the provision is not ambiguous and remains binding on all political actors.
He emphasized that the constitutional amendment affects civil matters like tenure terms and therefore applies retroactively.

Supporters Warned Against Pushing an Invalid Bid
The retired Appeal Court President also issued a warning to politicians backing Jonathan.

He noted that anyone encouraging the former leader should be mindful of the legal consequences.

As he put it, “My advice to the political class angling up in his support to heed the warning, caveat emptor usually directed to land speculators to be aware.”

Salami insisted that those expecting a legal loophole will be disappointed, saying the Supreme Court would uphold the restriction if challenged.

However, senior jurist further explained that the intention of the amendment was to stop any future case where a person tries to exceed the maximum tenure through technicality.

He insisted that if Jonathan contested and won, the courts would remove him.