Close associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have dismissed speculations linking him to the 2027 presidential election, insisting there is no indication that he intends to seek a return to office.

The associates, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly, described reports of Jonathan’s purported candidacy as politically motivated and said a statement clarifying his position would be issued soon.

Their comments followed repeated claims by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Jonathan had registered with the group, obtained nomination forms and was screened for the 2027 presidential election.

The faction recently went further by announcing Jonathan as its presidential candidate in absentia.

A former minister and close associate of the ex-president said there was no evidence to suggest Jonathan was preparing for a presidential bid.

“If he were running, he would be actively involved in consultations and political engagements across the country. Many of us who are part of his political structure would also be mobilising in support of his ambition,” the source said.

According to him, Jonathan’s political stature would not permit him to secretly pursue a presidential ambition.

“If he were interested, he would openly identify with a political party, participate in the screening process and publicly accept the party’s nomination. He is a statesman and would not engage in hide-and-seek politics,” he added.

Another associate described the development as part of a recurring pattern in which Jonathan’s name resurfaces during every election cycle despite his lack of public interest in contesting.

He noted that a serious presidential aspirant would be engaging in consultations, networking and public outreach, none of which Jonathan has been involved in.

“Running for president requires planning, consultations and public engagement. We have not seen any of that from former President Jonathan,” the source said.

The associate also disclosed that Jonathan had not informed members of his political circle about any intention to contest the 2027 election.

“I met with him recently and he never mentioned anything of that nature. When I jokingly asked him about it, he replied, ‘Under which party?’ and we all laughed,” the source said.

The associates further alleged that individuals close to the former president were exploiting their relationship with him to advance personal political interests.

They maintained that Jonathan neither purchased nor submitted any nomination form and did not participate in any screening exercise.

However, the Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, insisted that Jonathan remained the faction’s presidential candidate.

Ememobong argued that the former president’s silence should not be interpreted as a rejection of the nomination.

“Silence is strategic, just like communication is. The former President is our candidate and, to date, he has not disavowed the nomination,” he said.

He added that Jonathan’s political history showed he had often been drafted into public office rather than openly seeking it.

The controversy comes amid ongoing political realignments and preparations for the 2027 general elections.