Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has weighed in on the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential election, describing the situation as a "double tragedy." Keyamo spoke amid reports linking Jonathan to the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Keyamo's Argument on Constitutional Eligibility
Speaking on Sunday, May 10, Keyamo asserted that Jonathan is not constitutionally eligible to run for president. He stated that the Supreme Court would likely disqualify Jonathan if he attempted to contest. Keyamo further argued that the Turaki-led PDP faction lacks the legal standing to nominate or field candidates, compounding what he termed an already untenable position for the former leader.
"Jonathan is not constitutionally eligible to run. It is as simple as that. The Supreme Court will most likely disqualify him. And I think he knows because they are dangling the ticket of the PDP that does not exist in law before him. The Turaki-led PDP that cannot field candidates. That is double tragedy for him. But I think they just want to participate in an academic exercise," Keyamo said.
Background on Jonathan's Tenure
Goodluck Jonathan served two terms as president: first completing the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua from 2010 to 2011, and then winning a full term from 2011 to 2015. Legal analysts have long argued that this tenure profile renders him ineligible for another presidential run under the two-term limit enshrined in the 1999 constitution.
Court Case Adjourned
A suit filed at the Federal High Court seeking to disqualify Jonathan from contesting the 2027 election has been adjourned until Monday, May 11, 2026. The case is expected to clarify the legal standing of the former president's candidacy.
PDP Factional Crisis
The PDP has been embroiled in a factional crisis, with the Kabiru Turaki faction claiming legitimacy. Keyamo's comments highlight the legal challenges facing Jonathan, as the faction backing him may not be recognized as the official PDP structure capable of fielding candidates.
According to reports from Vanguard, Keyamo emphasized that the Turaki-led bloc cannot legally nominate candidates, further complicating Jonathan's path to the ballot.
Speculation on Jonathan's Ambitions
Despite the constitutional hurdles, there have been reports that Jonathan intends to return to the presidency using the PDP platform. A top official in Jonathan's team reportedly confirmed that the decision to use the PDP followed extensive deliberation, with the aim of providing quality leadership amid growing hardship and poverty.
A group called the "Goodluckan Movement," comprising Nigerians in the diaspora, has claimed the right to secure the nomination form on Jonathan's behalf, arguing that it better represents global Nigerian interests than competing northern blocs.
Keyamo's remarks add to the ongoing debate over Jonathan's eligibility, with many analysts agreeing that the constitutional two-term limit poses a significant barrier. The outcome of the court case on May 11 will be closely watched as the 2027 election cycle intensifies.
