Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed claims that he plans to withdraw from the 2027 presidential election, calling the reports misleading.

The rebuttal comes after a recent news article suggested that the Otuoke-born politician had decided against running to protect Southern unity.

While Jonathan has yet to formally declare his candidacy, insiders indicate he is actively consulting with stakeholders across the country in preparation for a possible second-term bid.

On Friday, his cousin, Azibaola Robert, took to his verified Facebook page to refute the report.

“The former president never stated he would not contest in 2027,” Azibaola said, describing the article as false and urging Nigerians to disregard it.

He also dismissed the story’s claim that a “Jonathan aide” provided the information, stating that such a source does not exist.

Azibaola emphasised that while Jonathan has not officially announced his intentions, he remains open to running.

“The former president will not bow to pressures aimed at discouraging him from contesting, especially when such pressures are motivated by personal interests,” he said, without specifying when a formal declaration might come.