Jonathan Reacts to Report Alleging ₦500bn Offer to Split South-South Votes

File Photo: Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed as false and baseless a media report alleging that he was offered ₦500 billion to contest against the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, in order to split votes in the South-South region.

Jonathan's Special Adviser on Media, Dr Ikechukwu Eze, rejected the allegation in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, describing the publication as a fabricated report designed to mislead the public and drag the former president into unnecessary political controversy.

According to Eze, the report, published by what he described as a little-known website, falsely attributed the claim to Jonathan without providing any evidence to support 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," Eze said.

He said the publication lacked the most basic standards of journalism and bore all the hallmarks of fake news.

The presidential aide urged Nigerians to disregard the report in its entirety, stressing that Jonathan never made the statement attributed to him.

Eze noted that the approach of another election cycle often witnesses an increase in misinformation, fabricated claims and false attributions involving prominent public figures.

He therefore advised members of the public to verify sensational political claims through credible sources before sharing them.

"The publication bears all the hallmarks of fake news deliberately crafted to mislead the public and drag the former president into unnecessary political controversy," he stated.

The statement comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political parties and prospective candidates continue consultations and realignments across the country.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria's President from 2010 to 2015, has yet to publicly indicate any intention to seek elective office.

Tags:#GoodluckJonathan#PeterObi#2027Election