Goodluck Jonathan Denies Withdrawing from 2027 Presidential Race

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has debunked reports claiming he has stepped aside from contesting in the 2027 presidential election.

The controversy began after a publication alleged that Jonathan had decided not to run in order to protect Southern unity. However, the former president’s cousin, Azibaola Robert, dismissed the claims in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Friday.

Azibaola described the report, published by Newsweek Nigeria under the headline “Jonathan Rejects Pressure to Contest in 2027, Says He Won’t Be Used Against Southern Unity”, as false and misleading. He urged Nigerians to disregard it, emphasizing that Jonathan never made such a statement.

He further clarified that the so-called “aide of Jonathan” cited in the story does not exist.

While Jonathan has not officially declared his interest in the 2027 race, there are strong indications that he has begun nationwide consultations as part of a possible bid for a second term in office.