Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed reports claiming he was offered N500 billion to contest the 2027 presidential election against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi, in a bid to split votes in the South-South.
Jonathan's position was conveyed in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Ikechukwu Eze.
Eze described the report as false, baseless and an attempt to draw the former president into political controversy ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to him, the publication wrongly alleged that Jonathan revealed he had received a N500 billion offer to enter the presidential race against Obi.
He said the report failed to provide key details expected in a credible publication, including when and where the alleged statement was made, who made the purported offer, or any evidence or witnesses to support the claim.
Eze added that the story showed clear signs of fabrication and was intended to mislead the public while heightening political tension as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.
He stated that Jonathan was never involved in any arrangement involving an alleged N500 billion offer to contest against Peter Obi or divide votes in the South.
The media aide urged Nigerians to disregard the report and verify politically sensitive claims before sharing them.
He also noted that election periods often witness an increase in misinformation and false attributions, stressing that Jonathan has never said he was offered money to contest the presidency or undermine any candidate.
