Close associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have dismissed claims that he plans to contest the 2027 presidential election, describing reports linking him to the race as politically motivated and misleading.
The associates, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly, said there was no indication that Jonathan intended to return to active electoral politics. They added that a statement clarifying his position would be issued soon.
Their reaction followed repeated claims by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which alleged that Jonathan had registered as a member, obtained nomination forms, participated in screening, and emerged as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The faction, however, has not provided evidence to support the assertions.
One associate, a former minister, argued that if Jonathan was genuinely seeking another term in office, he would be actively consulting political stakeholders and mobilising supporters nationwide.
“Anyway, those of us who are close to former President Goodluck Jonathan know that he is not running in the 2027 election.
“If he were, he would be actively involved, and many of us who are part of his political structure would also be mobilising in support of his ambition.
“At the moment, there is no clear indication that the former president intends to seek re-election in 2027.
“Like many Nigerians, we have seen the reports in the media, but we have made inquiries and are convinced that he is not in the race,” the source said.
The source further maintained that Jonathan, given his political stature, would not seek the presidency through indirect means.
“Former President Jonathan is not just any aspirant; he is a statesman who served this country meritoriously for about six years.
“If he were running, he would be courageous enough to obtain the nomination form himself.
“Even if others obtained it on his behalf, as some have claimed, he would openly participate in the screening process and accept his clearance certificate and nomination as the candidate of any political party.”
According to the source, individuals are merely exploiting Jonathan’s name to advance factional interests within the political landscape.
A second associate described the speculation as a recurring trend that surfaces during every election cycle, noting that Jonathan has often refrained from publicly responding to such claims.
The source insisted that the former president had not indicated any intention to contest and was not engaging in the activities typically associated with a serious presidential campaign.
“The former president himself recently stated that running for president is not like playing a game of Ludo. It requires strategic planning, long-term preparation, implementation, public appearances, consultations, networking, and engagement with people across the country.
“A serious presidential aspirant must consistently communicate their plans, what they intend to do, and how they intend to achieve their goals, while publicly identifying with a political party.
“In recent times, have we seen President Jonathan involved in any of these activities? Absolutely not.”
The source also revealed that Jonathan recently laughed off questions about a possible presidential bid, saying, “Under which party?”
Despite the denials, the Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, maintained that Jonathan remains the faction’s candidate for the 2027 election.
“You should understand that silence is strategic, just like communication is. Not everyone speaks or acts aggressively.
“Others act using silence. Do you understand? When he was picked as vice president, did he shout to accept? So this character exhibition is clearly in tandem with Jonathan’s usual disposition.
“He has never struggled for public office. He has always been invited to public office. That is what history records for him.
“So, the former President is our candidate, and until today, the man has not disavowed. All that has happened has been in the open.”
He added, “From where we sit and stand, as we have done, we have done our part. So whoever says Jonathan is not running should be willing to be quoted.”
