Former Nigerian president and Global Peace Ambassador, Goodluck Jonathan, has rejected the N100m presidential form of the All Progressives Congress – APC, which was purchased for him on Monday, May 9, 2022, by a group of supporters from the north.
After this, Jonathan’s Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, released a statement saying that Jonathan did not authorize the purchase of the form, and rather considers the group’s act ‘an insult’.
“We wish to categorically state that Dr Jonathan was not aware of this bid and did not authorise it,” the statement read in part.
“We want to state that if the former President wanted to contest an election, he would make his intentions clear to the public and will not enter through the back door.”
Recently, speculations have been raised about whether the former President will run for the presidential seat in the 2023 general elections. There have also been calls for him to do so. While Jonathan is not a member of APC, speculations have been heated in recent weeks, with many suggesting that the global peace ambassador may move to APC to increase his chances of running for President in 2023.
However, the former President hasn’t mentioned whether he would contest or not, nor has he spoken about the possibility of switching parties.
“While we appreciate the overwhelming request by a cross-section of Nigerians, for Dr Jonathan to make himself available for the 2023 Presidential election, we wish to state that he has not in any way, committed himself to this request,” Eze said.
“Buying a presidential aspiration form in the name Dr Jonathan without his consent, knowing the position he had held in this country, is considered an insult to his person. The general public is therefore advised to disregard it.”
Although Jonathan has rejected the free forms presented to him by the northern group, he has remained silent on his interest for the 2023 presidential race.
While addressing them, Jonathan said, “Yes, you are calling me to come and declare for the 2023 presidency, yes I can’t tell I am declaring; the political process is ongoing, just watch out.”
