Jonathan dismisses report of N500bn offer to run against Obi in 2027

A former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed as “entirely false and baseless” reports claiming he was offered N500 billion to contest the 2027 presidential election against Peter Obi in a bid to split votes in Nigeria’s South-South region.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Media, Ikechukwu Eze, described the report, which circulated widely on Facebook, as fabricated and urged Nigerians to disregard it.

“The report failed to state where or when Jonathan allegedly made such a claim, who was present or who purportedly made the alleged offer,” CableNg quoted Eze as saying.

He added that the publication bore “all the hallmarks of fake news deliberately crafted” to mislead the public and drag the former president into unnecessary political controversy.

According to Eze, Jonathan was never involved in any “N500 billion offer to divide the South’s votes against Peter Obi in the 2027 general elections.”

He said the report failed to provide the basic details expected of a credible story, including when and where the alleged statement was made, the identities of those who supposedly made the offer, or any witnesses to support the claim.

“Jonathan has not made any statement suggesting he was offered money to contest the presidency or undermine any candidate,” Eze said.

He urged Nigerians to “disregard the report entirely and exercise caution by verifying sensational political claims before circulating them,” warning that the build-up to every election season often witnesses a surge in misinformation and fake attributions.

The denial comes amid sustained speculation about Jonathan’s possible return to frontline politics ahead of the 2027 general election.

Since May, reports have suggested that the former president is considering a presidential comeback under the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The speculation intensified on May 30 when the faction announced Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election after a special national convention held at its headquarters in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

The faction said it would announce a date for the formal presentation of the party’s flag to Jonathan.

However, the presentation has yet to take place, even as the July 11 deadline for the submission of presidential nomination forms to the Independent National Electoral Commission approaches.

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.