Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed claims that he was offered N500 billion to contest the 2027 presidential election against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi, to split votes in the South-South region.
Jonathan made the clarification in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Ikechukwu Eze, who described the report as false, baseless and a deliberate attempt to drag the former president into unnecessary political controversy.
Eze said the publication falsely alleged that Jonathan disclosed receiving an offer of N500 billion to enter the presidential race against Obi.
According to him, the report failed to provide essential details expected of a credible publication, including when and where Jonathan allegedly made the statement, the identity of those said to have made the offer, or any witnesses to support the claim.
He added that the story bore all the hallmarks of fabricated news intended to mislead the public and stir political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Jonathan was never involved in the ‘N500 billion offer to divide the South’s votes against Peter Obi in the 2027 general elections.
“Nigerians should disregard the report entirely and exercise caution by verifying sensational political claims before circulating them.
“The build-up to every election season often witnesses a surge in misinformation and fake attributions,” Eze said, warning that such reports should not be mistaken for verified facts.
“Jonathan has not made any statement suggesting he was offered money to contest the presidency or undermine any candidate.”
