Jonathan reacts to claims he linked Buhari with Boko Haram

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed viral claims suggesting he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of having ties to Boko Haram, describing the reports as “twisted and misleading.”

The rumours began circulating after Jonathan’s remarks at the public presentation of a book by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd), were allegedly misrepresented by some media outlets.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan said his words were deliberately taken out of context.

“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,” the statement read.

He explained that his comments were meant to highlight how Boko Haram used deceit and manipulation in its early days to sow confusion in Nigeria’s political space.

“The reference was to a well-documented episode when various individuals and factions falsely claimed to represent Boko Haram and named prominent Nigerians as possible mediators — without their consent,” he clarified.

According to him, the terrorist group often invoked the names of respected figures like Buhari to “exploit political divisions and undermine public trust.”

Jonathan also questioned the logic of the false claims, asking rhetorically:

“If indeed Buhari was their chosen negotiator, why didn’t Boko Haram end their evil campaign when he became president?”

He further stressed that both he and Buhari fought terrorism during their respective administrations, sharing “a common commitment to peace and stability.”

Jonathan urged Nigerians to disregard any political mischief or sensational distortion of his comments.

“Dr. Jonathan remains committed to peace, unity, and the strengthening of democratic values in Nigeria. The nation’s progress depends on truth, not twisted narratives,” his office said.