Goodluck  Jonathan.

The Office of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has dismissed reports suggesting that he accused the late former President Muhammadu Buhari of being linked to the terrorist group Boko Haram.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Dr. Jonathan’s office described such reports as “misleading and grossly misrepresented.” It clarified that at no time did the former president “suggest, imply, or insinuate” that Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or supported the group in any form.

According to the statement, Jonathan’s remarks — made during a broader conversation on Nigeria’s security challenges — were intended to highlight the deceptive tactics used by Boko Haram during its early years. The reference, the office explained, was to a well-documented incident in which individuals falsely claimed to represent Boko Haram and allegedly listed prominent Nigerians, including Buhari, as potential mediators — without their consent.

“The point Dr. Jonathan sought to make 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.

Jonathan’s office further noted that the former president questioned why Boko Haram did not immediately end its violence when Buhari became president, if indeed he was truly the group’s preferred negotiator.

It reaffirmed that both Jonathan and Buhari “stood firmly against terrorism” and were united in their commitment to restoring peace and stability to 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 violence,” the statement said.

The office urged the public to disregard any distortions of Jonathan’s comments, emphasizing his continued dedication to peace, unity, and democratic values.

“Dr. Jonathan believes that Nigeria’s progress depends on a truthful understanding of its challenges — not on the distortion of facts for political or sensational purposes.”