Jonathan’s cousin dismisses report claiming the former president has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied reports suggesting he has stepped aside from the 2027 presidential race.
The clarification came after a Newsweek Nigeria report claimed Jonathan opted not to run to preserve Southern unity. Responding on Friday, Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola Robert, dismissed the story in a Facebook post, calling it “fake” and urging Nigerians to ignore it.
Azibaola said, “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.”
He stressed that Jonathan never stated he would not contest in 2027 and clarified that the alleged “aide of Jonathan” quoted in the report does not exist.
Although Jonathan has not officially declared his candidacy, sources indicate he has begun consultations. Azibaola added that Jonathan has not ruled himself out of the race and will make his decision public in due time.