The family of former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has denied reports suggesting he has stepped aside from contesting the 2027 election.

As reported by Vanguard on Friday, August 29, the rebuttal follows claims in a news report that the Otuoke-born statesman had opted not to run in order not to disrupt Southern unity.

On Friday afternoon, August 29, Jonathan's cousin, Robert Azibaola, dismissed the said report in a post on his verified Facebook page, stressing that the ex-Nigerian leader never said he would not contest in the 2027 election.

Azibaola urged Nigerians to beware of 'planted stories'. He wrote:

"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!"

Talks of Jonathan's potential candidacy

Legit.ng reports that Jonathan sought a second term as incumbent president on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform in 2015 but lost to the then-opposition candidate, now-late Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since his defeat, he has recoiled to a low-profile status within the PDP, preferring to project statesmanship image of himself through his public engagements. But he has not officially announced his resignation from the party.

In fact, in 2023, Jonathan was rumoured to be angling for the APC’s presidential ticket. While his silence continued to fuel the speculations, he ended up not taking any step to realise that goal.

Recently, former Jigawa state governor Sule Lamido branded him as the PDP’s best bet for the 2027 presidential election.

Lamido described Jonathan as one who has led the country before, understands governance, and works well with others.

According to the PDP chieftain, no current party member from the South can match Jonathan’s experience.