Jude Imagwe, a media aide to former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has denied reports claiming that the former leader is preparing to contest in the 2027 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the clarification was made during an interview on News Central Television on Wednesday.
According to him, there is nothing showing that Jonathan plans to return to the presidential race or accept the PDP ticket ahead of the next general election.
Imagwe said the former president has not announced any intention to run for office in 2027.
He also stated that Jonathan has not asked anyone to obtain nomination forms or campaign for him in any part of the country.
“There is no evidence anywhere that former President Goodluck Jonathan is running for president in 2027,” the aide stated.
The statement followed growing rumours that some members of the opposition party were trying to convince Jonathan to return and fly the party’s flag in the next election cycle.
In recent weeks, campaign posters carrying Jonathan’s name and endorsements have appeared in different locations across Nigeria.
The development led to fresh talks about a possible political comeback for the former president.
Despite the rumours, people close to Jonathan have continued to distance him from the activities.
His camp maintained that the former president is currently more focused on democracy support, peace efforts and international responsibilities than partisan politics.
Goodluck Jonathan became Nigeria’s president in 2010 under the Peoples Democratic Party and remained in office until 2015.
He later lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress during the 2015 presidential election.