Goodluck Jonathan

An action before the Federal High Court in Abuja sought to prevent Jonathan from standing in the 2027 presidential election on the basis that he had already been sworn in as President twice. On 26 May 2026, Judge Peter Lifu dismissed the claim, noting that a previous Court of Appeal decision had already upheld his eligibility.

State of the evidence

Documented

In submissions to a London commercial court concerning Shell and Eni's acquisition of oil block OPL 245, Nigerian government lawyers alleged in 2019 that Goodluck Jonathan and former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke had conspired to receive bribes and make a secret profit from the 2011 transaction.

Attribution

Accused

After Jonathan's presidency ended, authorities investigated approximately 2 billion dollars intended for weapons purchases to combat Boko Haram that had allegedly been diverted or distributed by National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki's office. Several former officials and alleged beneficiaries were arrested or prosecuted, making the case a major governance scandal of his term.

State of the evidence

Documented

Official and parliamentary investigations described billions of dollars in fraud within the fuel subsidy system and opaque oil sector governance under Jonathan.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The general election was postponed by six weeks, officially to allow the military to secure the north-east, a decision widely suspected by the opposition of giving the incumbent President additional time.

State of the evidence

Disputed

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi alleged that billions of dollars in oil sales revenues had not been remitted to the Treasury, triggering a major crisis over NNPC's opacity. In February 2014, Jonathan suspended Sanusi, officially over governance and expenditure irregularities at the Central Bank, which critics interpreted as retaliation against a whistleblower.

State of the evidence

Disputed

Attribution

Political responsibility

After Boko Haram abducted more than 200 schoolgirls at Chibok, the Jonathan administration was heavily criticised for the slow, contradictory and initially poorly coordinated response.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Political responsibility

Jonathan signed the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, which went beyond marriage: it also criminalised certain same-sex relationships and membership of or support for LGBT organisations, with lengthy prison sentences. The law prompted international condemnation and warnings about violence and discrimination.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

At New Year 2012, the Jonathan government removed much of the fuel subsidy, causing a sharp price rise, nationwide strikes and the Occupy Nigeria movement.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Political responsibility