Former President Goodluck Jonathan has debunked claims that he has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race.
The denial comes after a report alleged that the Otuoke-born leader decided not to run in order to protect Southern unity.
While Jonathan has yet to announce his candidacy, signs indicate he has been consulting across the country to pursue a second term.
On Friday, his cousin, Azibaola Robert, refuted the report in a post on his verified Facebook page, stating Jonathan never said he would not contest in 2027.
Azibaola criticized a Newsweek Nigeria article titled Jonathan Rejects Pressure To Contest In 2027, Says He Won’t Be Used Against Southern Unity, calling it fake and urging Nigerians to disregard it.
He added that the alleged “aide of Jonathan” cited as a source in the publication does not exist.
According to Azibaola, although Jonathan has not confirmed his ambition, he has also not ruled himself out of the race.
“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,” Azibaola said, without indicating when Jonathan might formally declare his intention.
