A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, has stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan would be unconstitutional to contest and win the 2027 presidential election. According to Okutepa, the 1999 constitution stipulates that a president cannot serve for more than eight years. Jonathan has already served six years in office, comprising two years as president after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and four years after winning the 2011 election.
Okutepa argued that if Jonathan were to win the 2027 election and serve for four years, his total time in office would be 10 years, exceeding the constitutional limit. He cited the Supreme Court’s decision in Marwa vs. Nyarko, which established that no individual can occupy the office of governor or president for more than two terms of four years each under the 1999 Constitution.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also referenced the Fourth Alteration Act of 2018, which provides that any person sworn in to complete the tenure of another president can only be elected for one additional term. Okutepa emphasized that Jonathan completed Yar’Adua’s tenure and was subsequently elected for a single term, making him ineligible to run for the presidency again.
Okutepa’s argument is rooted in his 2013 article, where he questioned Jonathan’s eligibility to seek re-election in 2015. He maintains that the Supreme Court’s decision and the Fourth Alteration Act clearly outline the constitutional provisions regarding presidential terms. Okutepa’s stance highlights the importance of adhering to the constitutional framework and the need for clarity in interpreting the country’s laws.
The issue of presidential term limits has been a subject of debate in Nigeria, with various interpretations and court rulings shaping the discourse. Okutepa’s comments underscore the significance of upholding the constitution and ensuring that electoral processes are guided by the rule of law. As the country approaches the 2027 presidential election, the question of Jonathan’s eligibility is likely to remain a topic of discussion, with Okutepa’s arguments providing a crucial perspective on the matter.
