Close associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have denied claims that he is running for president in 2027, calling reports to that effect politically motivated. They stated that Jonathan has shown no indication of seeking the presidency and that a formal statement to this effect would be issued soon. The associates, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Jonathan's name was being used by certain factions to advance their interests and create confusion in the political space.
Since the start of 2027 election preparations, the interim National Working Committee (iNWC) led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) has claimed that Jonathan registered as a member of its faction. The group also alleged he purchased and submitted expression of interest and nomination forms for the presidential race, though no evidence was provided. Jonathan was reportedly screened and cleared to contest in absentia. On Saturday, the Turaki-led PDP faction announced him as its 2027 presidential candidate, again in absentia.
A former minister close to Jonathan said if the former president were running, he would be openly engaging in political consultations and building support structures. He stated, "Anyway, those of us who are close to former President Goodluck Jonathan know that he is not running in the 2027 election." He added that Jonathan would not shy from public participation if he were truly contesting. "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."
The source emphasized that Jonathan, as a former head of state, would not obtain nomination forms through intermediaries or remain silent at this stage. "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." Another source noted that such speculation surfaces regularly during election cycles, but Jonathan has not publicly addressed it. He recalled Jonathan recently saying that running for president is not like playing a game of Ludo.
When contacted, the Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led iNWC, Ini Ememobong, said Jonathan's silence was strategic and insisted the former president is running for the 2027 presidency.
Jonathan's associates say he is not running for president while the faction claiming to represent him says he is, yet he remains silent. He reportedly said running for president is not like playing Ludo, yet allows his name to be used in a high-stakes political game without immediate denial. This contradiction leaves supporters and opponents guessing, undermining clarity in an already murky political landscape. If he is not running, a timely statement would stop the speculation; if he is, public participation cannot wait.
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