By Luminous Jannamike
Political associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have insisted that only the former president can speak authoritatively on his political future, warning against attempts by individuals to define his position ahead of the 2027 general election.
The intervention follows renewed debate over Jonathan’s political future after a recent media report quoted Jude Imagwe, a former presidential aide, as dismissing speculation about the former president’s possible return to electoral politics.
The group argued that Nigerians should rely only on verified and officially authorised communications.
The position was contained in a statement signed by Sam Presto, Coordinator of The Goodies Movement, a pro-Jonathan political group.
“Many supporters and stakeholders within the broader Jonathan political family are therefore asking a legitimate question: was he (Imagwe) expressing a personal opinion, or was he conveying an officially authorised position?” the statement said.
The camp argued that past service in the Jonathan administration does not automatically confer a continuing mandate to speak for the former president years after he left office, noting that many people who once served in government no longer occupy positions that empower them to communicate his views.
“Only statements issued directly by him, through officially designated representatives, or via recognised communication channels should be regarded as definitive expressions of his political position,” the statement said.
The movement also called on journalists and media organisations to exercise greater caution before presenting individuals as speaking on behalf of political leaders without first establishing the basis of their authority.
“The media also bears a responsibility in this regard. Journalists and media organisations should exercise caution before presenting individuals as speaking for political leaders without clearly establishing the basis of their authority,” Presto said.
Jonathan’s associates warned that failure to verify such claims could create confusion and leave the public with a misleading impression of a political figure’s actual position.
According to them, the issue goes beyond any one individual and speaks to the need for credibility and accountability in public discourse, particularly as political activity ahead of the 2027 elections gathers momentum.
“Any statement purporting to reflect the position of a former Head of State should be accompanied by clear evidence of authorisation and current representation,” they said.
The group maintained that until Jonathan personally comments on his political future or authorises someone to do so on his behalf, claims about his intentions should be treated as personal opinions rather than established facts.
“Every endorsement, rejection, confirmation, denial, or speculation concerning his political future should be understood as the opinion of the individual expressing it, unless clearly backed by an official mandate,” the statement said.
Presto said the debate over Jonathan’s future role in Nigerian politics is too important to be shaped by assumptions, interpretations or unofficial declarations.
“The Nigerian people deserve facts rather than assumptions, clarity rather than conjecture, and authentic representation rather than political guesswork,” he said.
