Jonathan finally declares to run for 2027 polls, fresh details emerge

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has firmly dismissed recent reports suggesting that he has abandoned his aspirations to contest in the highly anticipated 2027 presidential election.

This clarification was made public on Friday following a controversial article published by Newsweek Nigeria, which alleged that Jonathan had turned down growing pressure to enter the race. The report claimed he insisted that he would not be “used against Southern unity,” a statement that sparked considerable debate.

In response to the swirling rumors, Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola Robert, took to his verified Facebook page, emphatically rejecting the allegations as “fake news.” Robert urged Nigerians to ignore the misleading report and pointed out that the purported “aide of Jonathan” mentioned in the article is a fabrication, emphasizing that no such person exists.

He stated, “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.” This statement underscored the sentiment that Jonathan remains very much in the running for the 2027 race.

Although Jonathan has yet to formally announce his candidacy, political observers indicate that he has begun engaging in discreet consultations across various regions of the country. This early maneuvering appears to be part of a strategic initiative aimed at re-establishing his presence in the political arena.

Since his defeat in the 2015 election against former opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari, Jonathan has continued to play a significant role in regional peace efforts and has contributed actively to national discussions, ensuring that his voice remains relevant in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.