By Obinna Uballa
Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola Robert, has denied reports suggesting that the former president has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race, insisting he has not ruled himself out as consultations continue across the country.
The rebuttal followed a publication claiming Jonathan had opted out to protect Southern unity. The report, titled “Jonathan Rejects Pressure to Contest in 2027, Says He Won’t Be Used Against Southern Unity”, was published by a media platform on Friday.
Reacting via his verified Facebook page, Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola Robert, described the report as fake and urged Nigerians to disregard it.
He clarified that the purported “aide of Jonathan” cited as a source in the story does not exist.
“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 confirming when or if Jonathan would formally declare his intention.
Although Jonathan has yet to announce his candidacy, multiple political sources indicate that he has been engaging in behind-the-scenes consultations, fueling speculation about a possible second-term bid under the 1999 Constitution, which allows him to contest for one more term.
Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015 after succeeding the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, remains a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
His potential return in 2027 is seen by observers as a major variable in ongoing alignments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both of which he has been linked to at different times since leaving office.
Political observers say Jonathan’s decision will significantly influence zoning arrangements, particularly in the South-South and South-East, where agitation for power rotation remains strong.
