By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest in the 2027 presidential election, dismissing a suit seeking to disqualify him.

The case was brought by a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, who asked the court to restrain Jonathan from presenting himself as a candidate to any political party for the 2027 poll. He also sought an order preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting, processing, or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate.

Jideobi had asked the court to determine whether, based on Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, Jonathan remained eligible to seek the office of president again.

In his ruling on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu held that Jonathan could lawfully participate in the election. The judge noted that both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had previously ruled that Jonathan was eligible to run, and that he was bound by the appellate court’s decision.

Justice Lifu also ruled that Jideobi lacked the legal standing to bring the suit, as he had not suffered any direct loss from Jonathan’s alleged intention to run. The judge described the lawsuit as “an abuse of court process” and dismissed a motion by Jideobi seeking the judge’s recusal, calling the motion frivolous.

The court awarded a N20 million fine against Jideobi in favour of the former president, and an additional N1 million fine in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The ruling comes after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki last week offered Jonathan a waiver as the party’s sole presidential candidate for 2027.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Muslims in their numbers prayed on Mount Arafat on Tuesday at the climax of the hajj pilgrimage, as a punishing desert sun sent temperatures soaring towards 40C.

From daybreak, thousands of white-robed worshippers recited Quranic verses on the 70-metre (230 feet) rocky hill near Mecca, where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his last sermon.

More than 1.5 million people have joined the hajj this year despite the shadow of war across the Middle East created by the US and Israeli war with Iran.

During the fighting, Tehran retaliated with waves of drone and ballistic missile strikes, hitting major infrastructure and energy installations across the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia.

More than 30,000 Iranians have made the journey, about a third of the 86,000 originally expected. Iran’s IRNA state news agency said the “wartime situation” explained the drop.

Despite the war, Saudi officials said over the weekend that more pilgrims had travelled from abroad this year than in 2025.

The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means to do so.

With temperatures hitting 44 degrees in Mecca in recent days, Saudi authorities have urged pilgrims to drink plenty of water and protect themselves from the sun during the mostly outdoor rituals, which can take five days or more to complete.

Since men are prohibited from wearing hats, many carry umbrellas to try to keep the blistering sun at bay.

After Mount Arafat, pilgrims will spend the night in Muzdalifah, where they will collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina, starting on Wednesday.

The hajj is said to follow the path of the Prophet Mohammed’s final pilgrimage, about 1,400 years ago.

It has long been an important source of legitimacy for the Al Saud dynasty, whose monarch has the title “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques”, in Mecca and Medina.

By: Lamara Garba

Thousands of pilgrims from Kano State performing the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday held special prayer sessions for the re-election of the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as for lasting peace, unity and development in Kano State and Nigeria at large.

The prayers took place at the Munna Hajj Camp shortly after the commencement of the Hajj rituals, as over 1.5 million pilgrims from different parts of the world gathered in the holy land to begin the spiritual journey.

Across the various tents occupied by Kano pilgrims, emotional scenes of worship, Qur’anic recitation and supplications filled the atmosphere, with many pilgrims passionately praying for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria.

The pilgrims also offered fervent prayers for a peaceful and transparent election that would usher Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into a second term in office, describing him as a leader committed to the welfare and progress of the people.

In one of the major prayer sessions attended by hundreds of pilgrims, prominent Islamic scholar, Ustaz Ya’u Dodo, who led the supplications, said the people of Kano should continue to thank Almighty Allah for blessing the state with the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

According to him, the governor’s humility, patriotism and determination to transform Kano State have endeared him to the masses, hence the need for continued prayers for his success.

“Kano people should continue to appreciate Allah for giving them a leader like Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. His humility, love for the people and commitment to the development of the state are qualities worthy of support and prayers,” the cleric said.

He urged pilgrims to intensify prayers for Allah’s guidance, protection and support for the governor ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Ustaz Ya’u Dodo also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking Allah to guide him in leading the country towards peace, economic stability and national progress.

Another respected Islamic cleric, Malam Ali Dan Abba, also led a special prayer session for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the people of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.

During the prayer session, Malam Ali Dan Abba prayed fervently for Allah to continue granting the governor wisdom, strength and good health in the discharge of his responsibilities, noting that leadership is a trust that requires divine guidance and protection.

He further prayed for peace and unity among the people of Kano State, urging citizens to continue supporting one another irrespective of political, ethnic or social differences. According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of harmony, mutual understanding and fear of Allah.

The cleric also offered prayers for Nigeria, asking Almighty Allah to rescue the country from economic hardship, insecurity and political tension. He appealed to leaders at all levels to govern with justice, sincerity and compassion for the masses.

Many of the pilgrims who spoke after the prayer session expressed optimism that Allah would answer their prayers and grant Kano State and Nigeria leaders who would continue to work for the wellbeing of the people.

The atmosphere at the Munna camp remained spiritually uplifting throughout the day as pilgrims continued engaging in acts of worship, recitation of the Holy Qur’an and prayers for their families, leaders and the nation.