Jonathan denies stepping aside from 2027 race

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has refuted claims that he has decided not to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The denial follows a report suggesting that the former leader had chosen to step aside to avoid disrupting Southern unity.

While Jonathan has not officially announced his candidacy, there are strong indications that he has been holding consultations across the country as part of a possible bid for a second term.

On Friday, Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola Robert, addressed the rumors in a post on his verified Facebook page, categorically dismissing the report.

The publication in question, titled “Jonathan Rejects Pressure to Contest in 2027, Says He Won’t Be Used Against Southern Unity,” was described by Azibaola as false.

He urged the public to disregard the story, adding that the so-called “aide of Jonathan” cited as a source in the report does not exist.

Azibaola clarified that while Jonathan has yet to formally declare his intentions for the 2027 election, he has also not ruled out the possibility of running.

“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 elaborating on when or how Jonathan might make his plans public.

The statement serves to dispel speculation surrounding Jonathan’s political future, leaving the door open for a potential candidacy in the upcoming election.