Former President Goodluck Jonathan has firmly denied claims suggesting that he linked former President Muhammadu Buhari to the Boko Haram insurgency.
Jonathan’s clarification followed media reports that misrepresented his remarks during the launch of a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd).
In a statement released by his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan described the reports as false and misleading, stating that at no point did he imply that Buhari had any ties with the terrorist group.
“The attention of the Office of Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that Dr. Jonathan alleged that Boko Haram nominated the late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to represent them in dialogue with the Federal Government, thereby making him complicit in the Boko Haram crisis,” the statement read.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that the former President’s comments were grossly misrepresented. At no time did Dr. Jonathan suggest, imply, or insinuate that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or that he supported the group in any form.”
Jonathan clarified that his comments were meant to illustrate Boko Haram’s deceptive tactics during its early years, not to accuse Buhari or any individual.
“Dr. Jonathan’s remarks, made in the course of a broader discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges, were intended to highlight the manipulative strategies employed by Boko Haram. The group often invoked the names of respected public figures to sow confusion, exploit political divisions, and undermine public confidence in government,” he explained.
He also questioned the logic behind the claims linking Buhari to the terrorist organization.
“If indeed Buhari was their choice negotiator, why didn’t Boko Haram expeditiously end their evil campaign when the retired General became president?” Jonathan queried.
Reaffirming his respect for Buhari, Jonathan noted that both leaders shared a commitment to peace and stability in Nigeria.
“Dr. Jonathan recognises that President Muhammadu Buhari, like every patriotic Nigerian, stood firmly against terrorism and was himself a target of Boko Haram attacks. Both men, during their respective tenures, worked toward restoring peace and unity in the country.”
The former president’s office urged the public to disregard any misinterpretation of his remarks, emphasizing that Jonathan remains committed to national unity, peace, and democratic values.
“Nigeria’s progress depends on a truthful understanding of its challenges, not on the distortion of facts for political or sensational purposes,” the statement concluded.
