FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has denied reports suggesting that he has abandoned plans to contest the 2027 presidential election, describing the publication as false and misleading.
The denial followed claims in a report by Newsweek Nigeria that Jonathan had opted not to pursue a second-term ambition so as not to disrupt Southern unity ahead of the polls.
Although the former president has not formally declared his candidacy, strong indications point to ongoing nationwide consultations with political stakeholders as part of moves to actualise a potential comeback bid.
On Friday afternoon, Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola Robert, debunked the report in a statement on his verified Facebook page, insisting that the former president never said he would not contest in 2027.
Azibaola specifically faulted the Newsweek Nigeria story titled “Jonathan Rejects Pressure to Contest in 2027, Says He Won’t Be Used Against Southern Unity.” He described the publication as fake news and urged Nigerians to disregard it.
“The story is completely false. Former President Jonathan never said he would not contest in 2027. The so-called aide quoted in the publication does not exist,” Azibaola stated.
The clarification comes amid growing speculation over Jonathan’s political future. While he has not officially announced his intention to run, his cousin stressed that he has equally not ruled himself out.
“The former president has made it clear that he would not yield to calls not to run, since those making such admonitions had selfish motives,” Azibaola said, without disclosing when Jonathan might formally declare his ambition.
Jonathan, who served as president between 2010 and 2015, remains a formidable figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. His potential candidacy has sparked debates over power rotation, Southern consensus, and the prospects of a former leader returning to office.
For now, Jonathan’s camp insists he has not withdrawn from the race, dismissing claims to the contrary as deliberate misinformation.
