ASABA/Nigeria: The Young Nigerian Rights Organization (YNRO), led by renowned youth activist Comrade Victor Ojei, has called for the immediate dismissal of the recent court case filed against former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, describing it as “a politically motivated distraction and a gross abuse of judicial process.”
In a statement issued in Abuja, YNRO expressed deep concern over what it termed “a growing pattern of weaponizing the courts for political persecution.” The group noted that the suit, which seeks to bar Dr. Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, is not only legally baseless but also morally wrong and contrary to the spirit of democracy.
Comrade Ojei emphasized that Dr. Jonathan’s assumption of office in 2010 followed the tragic passing of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, a constitutional transition rather than an election. “It is on record that his initial tenure was incomplete and constitutionally distinct from a full presidential term. The framers of our Constitution did not intend for such a lawful succession to be counted as an ‘elected term.’ Any argument to the contrary is a distortion of both fact and law,” Ojei stated.
He further argued that the case before the Federal High Court suffers from a fundamental defect of locus standi, as the plaintiff lacks the legal standing to bring such an action. “The individual who filed the suit neither represents any institution of state nor has suffered any direct injury that warrants judicial intervention. It is nothing more than a speculative petition driven by political interests rather than constitutional principles,” he added.
The organization stressed that democracy thrives on inclusion and the right of every citizen to participate, not on preemptive exclusion based on personal or partisan motives. “To attempt to silence a citizen’s political right before he has even declared interest in the race is not only unconstitutional but a dangerous precedent for our democracy,” the statement read.
YNRO also called on the judiciary to safeguard its integrity by resisting the temptation to be drawn into political gamesmanship. “The courts are the last hope of the common man, not a playground for political adventurers. We trust that the Federal High Court will see through the emptiness of this case and dismiss it without hesitation,” the group declared.
Comrade Ojei concluded by reaffirming the organization’s respect for the rule of law and for Dr. Jonathan’s enduring legacy as a democrat and peace ambassador. “Goodluck Jonathan remains one of Africa’s finest statesmen, a man who once chose peace over power. To attempt to bar such a man from democratic participation is not just unfair to him; it is unfair to Nigeria’s history, our progress, and our future,” he said.
The Young Nigerian Rights Organization reiterated its commitment to defending constitutional rights, promoting civic education, and ensuring that no Nigerian, regardless of political background, is denied the opportunity to serve or to be heard.
