JUST IN: Jonathan Denies Linking Buhari to Boko Haram, Says Comments Were Misrepresented

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has dismissed claims that he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of having ties with Boko Haram, describing recent media reports on the matter as “grossly misleading.”

In a statement issued by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan clarified that his remarks at the book launch of former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd), were taken out of context. He stated that at no time did he suggest, imply, or insinuate that Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or supported the group in any form.

Jonathan explained that his comments were meant to highlight how, in the early years of the insurgency, Boko Haram often manipulated public perception by falsely naming prominent Nigerians—including Buhari—as potential mediators without their consent. According to him, his reference to that episode was intended to illustrate the group’s deceptive and divisive tactics, not to accuse anyone of complicity.

He further questioned why, if Boko Haram had indeed chosen Buhari as their supposed negotiator, the insurgency did not end when Buhari later became president. Jonathan reaffirmed that both he and Buhari shared a common goal of defeating terrorism and restoring peace to Nigeria, noting that Buhari himself was once a target of Boko Haram attacks.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Jonathan recognizes that President Muhammadu Buhari, like every patriotic Nigerian, stood firmly against terrorism,” the statement added.

The former president’s office urged Nigerians to disregard any distorted interpretations of his remarks, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to peace, unity, and democratic values. Jonathan maintained that Nigeria’s progress depends on a truthful understanding of its challenges, not on the distortion of facts for political or sensational purposes.