Jonathan Denies Linking Buhari to Boko Haram, Says Comments Misrepresented

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has refuted claims that he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of having connections with Boko Haram, clarifying that his remarks were misrepresented.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan stressed that he never alleged, hinted, or implied that Buhari had any ties with the terrorist group.

The clarification comes after Jonathan’s comments at the launch of Scars, a book by former Chief of Defence Staff Lucky Irabor, where he recalled that Boko Haram once listed Buhari among individuals they wanted as mediators in peace talks.

Jonathan explained that the group’s mention of Buhari came after his administration had set up committees for dialogue, but insisted it was an example of Boko Haram’s deceptive tactics rather than an indictment of Buhari.

“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 to represent them in dialogue with the Federal Government,” Eze said.

“At no time did Dr. Jonathan suggest, imply, or insinuate that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or supported the group in any form. His reference was to a well-documented episode when factions of Boko Haram falsely invoked the names of prominent Nigerians to sow confusion.”

Jonathan’s office emphasized that both he and Buhari opposed terrorism, noting that Buhari was also a target of Boko Haram violence.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Jonathan recognises that President Muhammadu Buhari, like every patriotic Nigerian, stood firmly against terrorism,” the statement added.

Eze urged Nigerians to disregard the misinterpretation, affirming that Jonathan remains committed to peace, unity, and democracy in Nigeria.