Political associates of former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, have maintained that only the former leader can authoritatively address speculation surrounding his political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The associates cautioned against attempts by individuals to make pronouncements on Jonathan’s behalf without clear authorization, stressing that any position attributed to him must come directly from the former president or his officially recognized representatives.
The position was conveyed in a statement issued by the Coordinator of The Goodies Movement, Sam Presto, following renewed discussions over Jonathan’s possible return to electoral politics.
The debate gained momentum after media reports quoted former presidential aide, Jude Imagwe, dismissing claims that the ex-president was considering another presidential bid.
Reacting to the development, Presto said supporters and stakeholders within Jonathan’s political circle were seeking clarification on whether Imagwe’s comments reflected a personal opinion or an officially sanctioned 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 said.
According to the group, Nigerians should treat only statements issued directly by Jonathan, through designated representatives, or via recognized communication channels as his official 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,” the statement added.
The group further urged media organisations to verify the authority of individuals claiming to speak for prominent political figures before publishing their comments as official positions.
“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,” the statement read.
It continued: “Any statement purporting to reflect the position of a former Head of State should be accompanied by clear evidence of authorisation and current representation.”
Presto emphasized that endorsements, denials, confirmations, or speculations regarding Jonathan’s future political plans should be regarded as personal opinions unless backed by an official mandate.
“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 statement said.
The group concluded by calling for greater clarity and accuracy in public discussions about the former president’s political intentions.
“The Nigerian people deserve facts rather than assumptions, clarity rather than conjecture, and authentic representation rather than political guesswork,” the statement added.
