Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied reports suggesting he has abandoned any ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The clarification was issued by his cousin, Azibaola Robert, who wrote on his verified Facebook page that Jonathan had not foreclosed his political options. “The story is completely false. Former President Jonathan never said he would not contest in 2027. The so-called aide quoted in the publication does not exist,” he stated.
Azibaola explained that while Jonathan has yet to declare his intention, he has also not ruled himself out of the race. He accused those urging the former president not to run of acting out of “selfish motives.”
Jonathan, who governed Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, remains a prominent figure in national politics and has continued to attract speculation about a possible comeback.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has confirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering Jonathan and former Anambra governor Peter Obi among potential presidential candidates for 2027.
In a national television interview, Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, described Jonathan as “one of the most celebrated politicians today despite political blackmail against him before the 2019 elections.” He added that Obi would also be given a fair chance if he returned to the PDP.
Other southern politicians, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, were also mentioned as possible contenders. Mohammed argued that the PDP must field a Christian candidate from the South with a Muslim running mate from the North to restore national balance.
As speculation intensifies, Jonathan’s silence and ongoing PDP realignments have kept political watchers uncertain over whether the former president will attempt a dramatic return in 2027.
