Goodluck Jonathan’s Associates Speaks On His 2027 ‘Presidential Ambition’

Political associates of former President, Goodluck Jonathan, have said only he can speak authoritatively on his political future ahead of the 2027 general election.

Naija News reports that the associates warned against attempts by individuals to define Jonathan’s position or speak on his behalf without clear authorisation.

The warning followed renewed debate over Jonathan’s political future after a media report quoted Jude Imagwe, a former presidential aide, as dismissing speculation about the former President’s possible return to electoral politics.

In a statement issued by the Coordinator of The Goodies Movement, a pro-Jonathan political group, Sam Presto, the associates said Nigerians deserved clarity on whether Imagwe was expressing a personal view or an authorised position.

“Many supporters and stakeholders within the broader Jonathan political family are therefore asking a legitimate question: was he expressing a personal opinion, or was he conveying an officially authorised position?” the statement read.

The group said only statements issued directly by Jonathan, his officially designated representatives or recognised communication channels should be treated as his position.

“Only statements issued directly by him, through officially designated representatives, or via recognised communication channels should be regarded as definitive expressions of his political position,” it said.

The associates also urged journalists and media organisations to exercise caution when attributing political positions to individuals claiming to speak for the former President.

The statement read further, “The media also bears a responsibility in this regard. Journalists and media organisations should exercise caution before presenting individuals as speaking for political leaders without clearly establishing the basis of their authority.

“Any statement purporting to reflect the position of a former Head of State should be accompanied by clear evidence of authorisation and current representation.”

The group said every endorsement, denial or speculation about Jonathan’s political future should be regarded as personal opinion unless backed by official authority.

The statement added, “Every endorsement, rejection, confirmation, denial, or speculation concerning his political future should be understood as the opinion of the individual expressing it, unless clearly backed by an official mandate.

“The Nigerian people deserve facts rather than assumptions, clarity rather than conjecture, and authentic representation rather than political guesswork.”