Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed reports claiming he was offered ₦500 billion to contest against the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in an alleged effort to divide votes in Nigeria's South-South region.

Reacting through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan described the publication as completely false, unfounded and intended to draw him into unnecessary political controversy.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Eze urged members of the public to disregard the report, noting that it originated from an obscure online platform and falsely attributed the claim to the former president.

According to him, the publication lacked the basic elements of credible journalism, as it failed to indicate when or where Jonathan allegedly made the statement or identify anyone who witnessed or participated in the supposed offer.

Eze said the story contained all the characteristics of fabricated news designed to misinform Nigerians and stir political tension ahead of future elections.
He maintained that Jonathan never made such comments and had no connection with the claims circulated in the report.

The former president's spokesman also warned that as political activities continue to intensify, the spread of misinformation and false attributions is becoming more common.

He therefore advised Nigerians to be cautious when consuming political information online and to verify sensational reports through credible sources before believing or sharing them.