Close associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have dismissed growing speculation about a possible return to presidential politics in 2027, insisting that there is no indication that the former Nigerian leader intends to contest the election.
The associates, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, described recent claims linking Jonathan to the race as politically motivated and aimed at advancing the interests of certain groups.
They also disclosed that a formal statement clarifying the former president’s position is expected to be issued in the near future.
The speculation intensified after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), repeatedly claimed that Jonathan had registered as a member of the group and obtained nomination forms for the 2027 presidential election.
The faction further alleged that the former president completed and submitted the forms and was subsequently screened and cleared to contest on its platform. Last weekend, the group went a step further by announcing Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, despite his absence from the process and without any public confirmation from him.
However, individuals close to the former president maintain that there is no truth to the claims.
One associate, a former minister, said Jonathan’s political stature and experience make it unlikely that he would pursue a presidential ambition in secrecy.
According to the source, if the former president were genuinely interested in seeking office, he would already be engaging in consultations, building political alliances, and mobilising supporters across the country.
The source noted that none of those activities are currently taking place and stressed that members of Jonathan’s political circle have received no indication that he intends to enter the race.
He argued that a politician of Jonathan’s profile would openly identify with a political platform, participate in the nomination process, and publicly accept any candidacy rather than allow others to act on his behalf.
The associate further alleged that some individuals were merely exploiting Jonathan’s name and popularity to advance their own political objectives.
Another ally described the development as a familiar pattern that emerges during every election cycle, noting that Jonathan’s name is frequently linked to presidential ambitions regardless of his actual intentions.
The source said serious presidential campaigns require extensive planning, consultations, networking, public engagement, and clear political communication, none of which the former president has demonstrated in relation to the 2027 election.
According to the associate, Jonathan has not informed members of his inner circle about any intention to contest and has not taken any of the conventional steps associated with launching a presidential bid.
The source also revealed that during a recent interaction, Jonathan reportedly responded humorously when asked about the speculation, questioning which political party he would even be contesting under.
The associates maintained that the former president neither purchased nomination forms nor submitted any documents for screening, insisting that the claims were manufactured by individuals seeking legitimacy through their association with him.
Despite the denials, the Turaki-led faction has continued to insist that Jonathan remains its preferred candidate.
Speaking on the controversy, the faction’s Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, argued that Jonathan’s silence should not be interpreted as rejection of the nomination.
Ememobong described the former president’s quiet approach as consistent with his political style, claiming that Jonathan has historically risen to public office without aggressively campaigning for positions.
He maintained that the former president remains the faction’s candidate and noted that Jonathan has yet to publicly disown the nomination.
According to him, the absence of a direct rebuttal from the former president reinforces the group’s belief that he remains interested in the 2027 presidential race.
The conflicting positions have continued to fuel debate within political circles, although those closest to Jonathan insist there is currently no evidence that the former president intends to seek a return to Aso Rock.
