Jonathan Denies Receiving N500bn to Run Against Peter Obi, Split South-South Votes

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has debunked allegations that he was offered N500 billion to contest against the National Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2027 general election to divide votes in the South-South region.

Jonathan made this clarification in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Ikechukwu Eze.

Eze described the speculation as completely false, baseless and a deliberate attempt to drag former President Goodluck Jonathan into needless political controversy.

According to him, the report falsely claimed that Jonathan disclosed receiving an offer of N500 billion to challenge Peter Obi in the presidential race.

He noted that the publication failed to provide basic details expected of a credible report, including when and where the alleged statement was made, the identity of those who supposedly made the offer, or any witnesses to support the claim.

The ex-president’s media aide added that the story bore all the characteristics of fabricated news designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary 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, 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,” Eze said.

But the statement never made any mention whether the former president is contesting as a presidential candidate in the Tanimu Turaki led PDP.