Jonathan: I never linked Buhari to Boko Haram — remarks misrepresented

By Kunle Sanni –

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed media reports suggesting that he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of having any connection with the Boko Haram insurgency, describing such claims as false and misleading.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Ikechukwu Eze, Dr. Jonathan clarified that “at no time did he suggest, imply, or insinuate that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or that he supported the group in any form.”

According to the statement, the former President’s remarks were taken out of context from a broader discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges. Jonathan explained that his comments were intended to highlight the “deviousness and manipulative strategies employed by Boko Haram in their early years,” not to accuse any individual of complicity.

He noted that his reference was to a known episode when factions of the terrorist group falsely claimed to have chosen certain public figures, including Buhari, as potential mediators — without their knowledge or consent.

“Dr. Jonathan’s point was that Boko Haram, in its characteristic deceit, often invoked the names of respected public figures to sow confusion, exploit political divisions, and undermine public confidence in government,” the statement read.

The former President further noted that both he and President Buhari shared a common resolve to combat terrorism and restore peace in Nigeria, adding that Buhari himself was once a target of Boko Haram attacks.

The statement urged the public to disregard any distortion of Jonathan’s remarks, stressing that he remains committed to peace, unity, and strengthening democratic values in Nigeria.