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.. Warns Against Fake News
By Rhoda Godwin
As political conversations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum, former President has distanced himself from a viral online report alleging that he was offered ₦500 billion to contest the presidency against in order to split votes in the South-South region.
The claim, which circulated widely on social media and was published by a little-known website identifying itself as “Igbo Times Magazine,” alleged that Jonathan made the sensational disclosure during a public engagement. However, the former President’s media office has categorically dismissed the report as false, fabricated and deliberately designed to mislead Nigerians.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr. Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan described the publication as a complete fabrication that failed to meet even the minimum standards of responsible journalism.
According to Eze, the report lacked the basic elements that would lend credibility to such an explosive allegation. It did not indicate where or when Jonathan supposedly made the statement, who witnessed the alleged remarks, or who was said to have made the purported ₦500 billion offer.
He said the absence of these essential details clearly exposed the report as a concocted story intended to create unnecessary political controversy around the former President.
“The publication bears all the hallmarks of fake news,” Eze said, stressing that Jonathan never made such a statement and has not been involved in any discussion resembling the claims contained in the report.
The denial comes at a time when political alignments and speculation over possible presidential contenders are intensifying across the country. Although Jonathan has repeatedly been mentioned in discussions about future elections over the years, he has remained largely reserved, avoiding comments capable of inflaming political tensions or encouraging speculation about his intentions.
Political observers note that as election cycles draw closer, prominent national figures often become targets of misinformation, with fabricated quotations and manipulated reports spreading rapidly across social media platforms before official clarifications are issued.
For Jonathan, this is not the first time his media team has had to respond to false statements attributed to him. On several occasions, the former President has urged Nigerians to rely on verified information and statements released through his official communication channels.
Eze warned that the increasing spread of fabricated political stories poses a serious threat to informed public discourse and democratic engagement. He said fake publications not only damage reputations but also distract citizens from meaningful conversations about governance and national development.
He urged Nigerians to exercise caution whenever they encounter sensational political claims, especially those lacking verifiable sources or official confirmation.
According to him, responsible media practice requires that every report be supported by credible evidence, identified sources and verifiable facts rather than anonymous claims designed to generate public outrage.
The spokesperson also encouraged members of the public to verify politically sensitive information before forwarding it on social media, noting that misinformation often spreads faster than corrections and can leave lasting impressions even after being debunked.
The episode once again highlights the growing challenge posed by digital misinformation in Nigeria’s political landscape. With social media serving as the primary source of information for many citizens, fabricated reports can travel across thousands of devices within minutes, making fact-checking more important than ever.
Media experts have consistently warned that false political narratives have the potential to influence public opinion, deepen divisions and undermine trust in democratic institutions if left unchecked.
For many Nigerians, the speed with which misinformation spreads has become a defining feature of modern election seasons. Viral headlines, edited videos and fabricated quotations frequently dominate online conversations before authentic information catches up.
Against this backdrop, Jonathan’s media office insists that the former President remains committed to responsible national engagement and will continue to communicate with the public only through verified and official channels.
Eze reiterated that Nigerians should disregard the report alleging that Jonathan was offered ₦500 billion to contest against Peter Obi, describing it as entirely false from beginning to end.
He maintained that the publication was nothing more than an attempt to drag the former President into needless political speculation at a time when emotions around the country’s political future are beginning to rise.
As preparations for the next electoral cycle gradually take shape, analysts say the incident serves as another reminder of the importance of media literacy, responsible journalism and careful verification of information before it is accepted as fact.
For now, Jonathan’s position remains unequivocal: the alleged statement was never made, the reported offer never formed part of any public or private disclosure by him, and the story should be treated by Nigerians as fake news intended solely to mislead the public.
