Speculations about former President Goodluck Jonathan returning to contest the 2027 presidential election have sparked debate, but Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Jibrin Okutepa, insists Jonathan is constitutionally barred from running.

Speaking on Arise News on Tuesday, Okutepa argued that under the 1999 Constitution, Jonathan has already exceeded the limit of years permitted for anyone to serve as president. He recalled maintaining the same position as far back as 2013 when he published an article questioning Jonathan’s eligibility to seek re-election in 2015.

Okutepa explained that Jonathan first assumed office in 2010 after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, completing the remaining two years of that tenure. He later won the 2011 election in his own right and served another four years. This brings his total years in office to six.

“If Jonathan contests in 2027 and wins another four years, that would make a total of 10 years, which is unconstitutional since the maximum period under the 1999 Constitution is eight years,” he said.

Citing the Supreme Court decision in Marwa vs Nyako, Okutepa stressed that the court had ruled that no individual can occupy the office of governor or president for more than two terms of four years each. He also referenced the 2018 Fourth Alteration Act of the Constitution, which further clarified that anyone who completes another person’s tenure can only be elected once thereafter.

According to him, this makes Jonathan’s possible 2027 bid unconstitutional.