A close associate of former President Goodluck Jonathan has refuted speculations about a possibility of he contesting the 2027 presidential elections.

The individual who spoke on condition of anonymity stated that the rumors are false stressing that those involved in the rumors do so for personal and political gain with the intention to cause 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.