Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied ever suggesting that late former President Muhammadu Buhari had ties to Boko Haram.
Jonathan made the clarification in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, following reports that misinterpreted remarks he made during the launch of a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd).
According to Eze, some media outlets wrongly claimed that Jonathan said Boko Haram once nominated Buhari to represent them in peace talks with the Federal Government — implying a connection between Buhari and the terrorist group.
“The attention of the Office of Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been drawn to misleading reports suggesting that Dr. Jonathan alleged that Boko Haram nominated the late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to represent them in dialogue with the Federal Government, and therefore this made him somehow complicit in the Boko Haram crisis,” the statement read.
“We wish to make it 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 way.”
Jonathan explained that his comments were meant to show how Boko Haram used manipulation and deception in their early years.
“Dr. Jonathan’s remarks were part of a broader discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges. They were meant to highlight the deceptive tactics Boko Haram employed — including falsely claiming to have prominent Nigerians as mediators, often without their knowledge or consent,” the statement added.
He further noted that the group frequently used the names of respected public figures to confuse the public and sow political division.
“The point Dr. Jonathan made was that Boko Haram often invoked the names of respected individuals to cause confusion, exploit political divides, and weaken public confidence in government. His comment was to illustrate that deceit — not to accuse the late former president or anyone else,” he said.
Jonathan also questioned the logic of linking Buhari to Boko Haram.
“If, indeed, Buhari was their chosen negotiator, why didn’t Boko Haram bring their evil agenda to an end when he became president?” he asked.
The former president went on to emphasize that both he and Buhari shared the same goal of ending terrorism and restoring peace in Nigeria.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Jonathan recognizes 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, were committed to restoring peace and stability in the country,” the statement said.
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Jonathan’s office urged the public to ignore any misleading interpretations of his remarks, stressing that he remains committed to peace, unity, and the strengthening of democratic values in Nigeria.
“He believes Nigeria’s progress depends on understanding the truth about its challenges — not distorting facts for political or sensational purposes,” the statement concluded.
