What Jonathan Told Me When I Asked If He Was Contesting For The Presidency – Associate Reveals

Close associates of Goodluck Jonathan have dismissed claims of a possible comeback of the former president.

Naija News reports that a former aide to Jonathan, Jude Imagwe, had earlier stated that there was no indication that his ex-principal had received, completed, or submitted any nomination forms related to a 2027 presidential bid.

He argued that Jonathan was not power-drunk enough to want to return to Aso Rock.

Shedding more light on the situation, associates of Jonathan told Punch that reports linking him to the 2027 election were politically motivated, adding that a statement reiterating his lack of interest in the 2027 presidential race would be released soon.

They insisted that Jonathan’s name was being used to pursue certain interests and create confusion within the political space.

One of the sources, a former minister, said if Jonathan were seeking the presidency, he would be openly engaging in consultations and political outreach across the country.

He stated, “Anyway, those of us who are close to former President Goodluck Jonathan know that he is not running in the 2027 election.

“If he were, he would be actively involved, and many of us who are part of his political structure would also be mobilising in support of his ambition.

“At the moment, there is no clear indication that the former president intends to seek re-election in 2027.

“Like many Nigerians, we have seen the reports in the media, but we have made inquiries and are convinced that he is not in the race.”

Speaking further, the source said, “Former President Jonathan is not just any aspirant; he is a statesman who served this country meritoriously for about six years.

“If he were running, he would be courageous enough to obtain the nomination form himself

“Even if others obtained it on his behalf, as some have claimed, he would openly participate in the screening process and accept his clearance certificate and nomination as the candidate of any political party.

“The reality is that the former president is not running. Some individuals are merely using his name to advance their own interests and those of their faction or group.

“At the appropriate time, he will clarify the situation. I believe he is simply waiting for the right moment to speak, and he understands that Nigerians are intelligent enough to see through the speculation.”

The source said Jonathan would not be playing hide-and-seek if he were genuinely interested in the race.

“He would publicly declare his intention, identify with a political party, and openly accept its nomination.

“After all, anyone contesting for the presidency is doing so to win. Why, then, would such a person refuse to identify with the party on whose platform he intends to run? There is nothing of that sort. The former president is not running for president in 2027,” he stated.

Another source described the development as a recurring political strategy, noting that during every election cycle, former President Jonathan’s name is linked to presidential ambitions, while the former leader has, for various reasons, refrained from publicly dismissing such speculations.

The source, however, maintained that as far as the 2027 election was concerned, Jonathan had no intention of contesting for the presidency.

He stated, “Is that how someone runs for president? Let’s assume a person like you wants to contest for the presidency of this country; would you remain silent up to this moment?

“Even if you did not personally obtain the nomination form, and someone bought it on your behalf and handed it to you, would you still remain quiet? Would you refuse to submit it, present yourself for screening, or go to collect the party’s flag?

“Let’s assume someone who is not even as politically experienced as former President Goodluck Jonathan is running for president; would such a person fail to make a public declaration? Would there be no structure put in place?”

He added, “The former president himself recently stated that running for president is not like playing a game of Ludo. It requires strategic planning, long-term preparation, implementation, public appearances, consultations, networking, and engagement with people across the country.

“A serious presidential aspirant must consistently communicate their plans, what they intend to do, and how they intend to achieve their goals, while publicly identifying with a political party.