Former President Goodluck Jonathan has debunked reports claiming he has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race, insisting that no such decision has been made.
The rebuttal followed a publication alleging that the Otuoke-born statesman had chosen not to contest to preserve Southern unity.
Although Jonathan has yet to formally declare his candidacy, political observers believe he has quietly intensified consultations nationwide toward a possible second-term bid.
On Friday, his cousin, Azibaola Robert, dismissed the report in a post on his verified Facebook page, describing it as “fake” and urging Nigerians to disregard it.
Robert specifically faulted a Newsweek Nigeria story titled “Jonathan Rejects Pressure to Contest in 2027, Says He Won’t Be Used Against Southern Unity,” stressing that the purported “aide of Jonathan” quoted as a source in the report does not exist.
He further clarified that Jonathan has not announced his decision.
“Fake News! No such aide exist, no such statement was made. Neither is this a confirmation that GEJ is running. The media should be aware, people are planting stories. FULL STOP!,” Robert stated.
The clarification comes amid heightened speculation over Jonathan’s political future, with debates ongoing about his eligibility, political alliances, and the constitutional implications of a comeback bid.