You can’t declare 2027 ambition by proxy for Jonathan, Ex-President’s associates tells politicians
Political allies of former President Goodluck Jonathan have maintained that only the former Nigerian leader has the authority to make definitive statements about his political future, cautioning against efforts by individuals to speak on his behalf ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Their position comes amid renewed public discussion about Jonathan’s potential return to active politics following comments attributed to Jude Imagwe, a former presidential aide, who reportedly dismissed speculations linking the former president to a possible electoral comeback.
The associates stressed that the public should depend only on officially sanctioned communications regarding Jonathan’s political intentions.
In a statement issued by Sam Presto, Coordinator of The Goodies Movement, a pro-Jonathan political group, the organisation questioned whether Imagwe’s remarks reflected a personal view or an officially endorsed position.
“Many supporters and stakeholders within the broader Jonathan political family are therefore, asking a legitimate question: was he (Imagwe) expressing a personal opinion, or was he conveying an officially authorised position?
“Only statements issued directly by him, through officially designated representatives, or via recognised communication channels should be regarded as definitive expressions of his political position.
“The media also bears a responsibility in this regard. Journalists and media organisations should exercise caution before presenting individuals as speaking for political leaders without clearly establishing the basis of their authority.
“Any statement purporting to reflect the position of a former Head of State should be accompanied by clear evidence of authorisation and current representation.
“Every endorsement, rejection, confirmation, denial, or speculation concerning his political future should be understood as the opinion of the individual expressing it, unless clearly backed by an official mandate.
“The Nigerian people deserve facts rather than assumptions, clarity rather than conjecture, and authentic representation rather than political guesswork,” he said.
The group also urged journalists and media organisations to verify the authority of individuals making claims on behalf of political figures before presenting such comments as official positions. It emphasised that any statement concerning Jonathan’s political future should be treated as a personal opinion unless it is clearly backed by his approval or issued through recognised channels.
