Close associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have dismissed speculations about a possible 2027 presidential bid, insisting that there is no indication that the former leader intends to return to the ballot.

They described reports linking him to the race as politically motivated, adding that a statement reiterating his lack of interest in the 2027 presidential race would be released soon.

The associates, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, told The PUNCH that Jonathan’s name was being used to pursue certain interests and create confusion within the political space.

Since the commencement of preparations for the 2027 elections, the interim National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) has repeatedly claimed that former President Goodluck Jonathan registered as a member of its faction.

The group also alleged that he purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 presidential race and implied that he completed and submitted them, despite providing no evidence to support the claims.

In a further twist, Jonathan was reportedly screened and cleared to contest on the faction’s platform in absentia.

Additionally, on Saturday, the Turaki-led PDP faction announced the former president as its 2027 presidential candidate, also in absentia.

The source, 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.

“In recent times, have we seen President Jonathan involved in any of these activities? Absolutely not.”

He said Jonathan, as their principal, did not make such an intention known to them, adding that he did not inform them that he wished to contest or seek re-election.

“I met with him recently, and he never mentioned anything of that nature. In fact, when I jokingly asked him about it, he responded, ‘Under which party?’ and we all laughed.

“The truth is that the Turaki group is taking advantage of its closeness to President Jonathan. Turaki served as Minister of Special Duties under President Jonathan and can rightly be described as one of Jonathan’s loyal associates.

“It appears that some individuals are leveraging that relationship and proximity to use Jonathan’s name in pursuit of their own objectives.

“From my investigation, I understand that Jonathan neither purchased nor filled out any nomination form. Some people simply arranged a form and claimed it was for him to contest. He never completed it, submitted it, or presented himself for screening.

“More importantly, he never made any public declaration of interest. That is why the situation is rather amusing. If he did none of these things personally, it is difficult to understand how others can claim they are doing them on his behalf or by proxy.

“However, politics is politics. In due course, I am confident that a formal statement will be issued to clarify the matter once and for all.”

When contacted, the Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led iNWC, Ini Ememobong, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, said Jonathan’s silence was strategic, insisting that the former President was running for the 2027 presidency.

He stated, “You should understand that silence is strategic, just like communication is. Not everyone speaks or acts aggressively.

“Others act using silence. Do you understand? When he was picked as vice president, did he shout to accept? So this character exhibition is clearly in tandem with Jonathan’s usual disposition.

“He has never struggled for public office. He has always been invited to public office. That is what history records for him. So this is not in any way different from the previous path that he has used to ascend to power. Except you proved me wrong.

“So, the former President is our candidate, and until today, the man has not disavowed. All that has happened has been in the open.

“From where we sit and stand, as we have done, we have done our part. So whoever says Jonathan is not running should be willing to be quoted.” (PUNCH)

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