Close associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have dismissed reports suggesting that he is preparing to contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the ex-leader has no intention of returning to the ballot.
The associates described the speculations as politically driven, alleging that Jonathan’s name is being used by certain interests to create confusion within the political space ahead of the next general elections.
They also hinted that an official clarification from the former president would be issued at the appropriate time to put an end to the rumours.
Their reaction followed claims by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) that Jonathan had joined its camp, purchased nomination forms, undergone screening, and emerged as its presidential candidate for 2027 — assertions no evidence has publicly backed.
The group was also reported to have announced him as its flagbearer in absentia, further fuelling speculation around his political intentions.
But a former minister close to Jonathan said the former president would have been visibly active in consultations and political mobilisation if he had any interest in the race.
He stressed that Jonathan’s political structure was not engaged in any campaign-related activity, adding that nothing currently points to a return bid in 2027.
“Former President Jonathan is not in the race. If he were, there would be consultations, mobilisation and clear political engagement across the country,” the source said.
The source argued that any serious presidential aspirant would personally identify with a political party, obtain nomination forms, participate in screening and openly accept a ticket if offered.
He maintained that Jonathan had not taken any such steps, adding that his name was being wrongly deployed for political advantage by some groups.
According to him, the former president would not remain silent if he were truly in the contest, noting that presidential ambition requires open declaration, structure and sustained political engagement.
Another associate said the recurring association of Jonathan with election cycles had become a familiar political pattern, even when he was not actively involved.
He questioned how a genuine aspirant could remain absent from all formal processes while others allegedly act on his behalf.
The associate also referenced Jonathan’s past comments that presidential ambition demands long-term planning, strategy and constant public engagement, adding that such activities were currently absent.
He further disclosed that Jonathan had not informed his close associates of any intention to contest, noting that even informal discussions had not indicated such ambition.
He alleged that some actors were exploiting their past relationship with the former president to advance political interests.
Meanwhile, the Turaki-led PDP faction maintained its position, insisting that Jonathan remains its presidential candidate for 2027.
The faction’s publicity secretary, Ini Ememobong, argued that the former president’s silence should not be interpreted as denial, describing it as a deliberate political strategy.
He maintained that Jonathan’s political history showed a pattern of avoiding aggressive self-declaration, insisting that the group had acted within its rights in presenting him as its candidate.
According to him, the faction had made its position public and would continue to regard Jonathan as its standard-bearer unless he states otherwise.
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