- They added that a formal clarification from the former president is expected soon
- individuals close to Jonathan insisted there is no evidence that he intends to seek another term in office
- The source noted that Jonathan remains a respected statesman and would not rely on indirect arrangements to secure a party ticket
Associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have dismissed growing speculation about a possible return to presidential politics in 2027, maintaining that the former Nigerian leader has shown no interest in contesting the next general election.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the associates, who spoke privately because they were not authorised to make official comments, described reports linking Jonathan to the 2027 presidential race as misleading and driven by political interests.
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They added that a formal clarification from the former president is expected soon.
The speculation intensified after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) repeatedly claimed that Jonathan had joined its platform and obtained nomination forms for the presidential contest. The group also announced him as its candidate despite the former president’s absence from the process.
However, individuals close to Jonathan insisted there is no evidence that he intends to seek another term in office. According to one associate, if Jonathan were genuinely pursuing a presidential ambition, he would already be consulting political stakeholders and mobilising supporters across the country.
The source noted that Jonathan remains a respected statesman and would not rely on indirect arrangements to secure a party ticket. He argued that a politician of Jonathan’s stature would openly identify with a political platform, participate in screening processes and publicly accept any nomination offered to him.
Another ally described the recurring claims as a familiar pattern that surfaces before major elections, with Jonathan’s name often appearing in political calculations despite his silence on the matter.
The associate maintained that serious presidential aspirants usually embark on consultations, build structures and communicate their intentions well ahead of elections. According to him, none of these indicators has been visible in Jonathan’s activities.
He further revealed that recent interactions with the former president gave no indication of any presidential ambition, adding that Jonathan had not informed his close political associates of any plan to return to the ballot.
Despite the denials, the Turaki-led PDP faction remains adamant that Jonathan is its candidate.
The faction’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, argued that the former president’s silence should not be interpreted as rejection, insisting that Jonathan has historically maintained a low-profile approach to political advancement.
Ememobong said the former president has not publicly disowned the nomination and maintained that all actions taken by the faction regarding his candidacy were carried out openly.
The disagreement has continued to fuel debate within political circles as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
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