Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied claims that he linked the late President Muhammadu Buhari to the terrorist group Boko Haram.
In a statement released by his media aide, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, the former president said his recent comments at a public event were taken out of context and misrepresented in the media.
Jonathan made the remarks last Friday during the launch of a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd), in Abuja. During the speech, he mentioned that Boko Haram had once nominated Buhari as a possible mediator during the early stages of the insurgency.
The comment sparked outrage, particularly among members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who viewed it as an attempt to question Buhari’s integrity and past positions.
However, Jonathan has now clarified that his words were misinterpreted. He insisted that at no point did he suggest, imply, or hint that Buhari had any form of connection or support for Boko Haram.
“The former president’s comments were grossly misrepresented,” the statement from his aide read. “Dr. Jonathan never said President Buhari had ties with Boko Haram. What he said was meant to show how the group used tricks and manipulations during its early days.”
The former president explained that Boko Haram’s decision to name Buhari as a potential mediator was part of a strategy to create division and confusion among Nigerians.
Jonathan also urged the public to ignore false interpretations of his statement. According to him, his focus remains on promoting peace, national unity, and strong democratic institutions across the country.
Goodluck Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, a period when Boko Haram’s deadly attacks were at their peak, especially in the North-East. His government faced serious criticism over the handling of the crisis, which included the abduction of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls in 2014.
President Buhari, who succeeded Jonathan in 2015, promised to tackle Boko Haram as a top priority. He passed away in 2025 while still in office.
Jonathan’s clarification aims to cool tensions and refocus attention on unity, rather than reopening old political wounds.
