Amanze Chinonye
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reignited a decade-old controversy by stating that Boko Haram once nominated Muhammadu Buhari as its representative in peace negotiations with the Federal Government during his administration.
Jonathan made the remarks on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the public presentation of The Commander: Memoir of a General, authored by retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, in Abuja. He recalled that in 2012, while his government explored dialogue as a non-combatant approach to ending the insurgency, the sect named the former head of state and then opposition leader among a list of mediators.
The claim draws from events in late 2012 when a self-styled Boko Haram commander, Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulazeez, speaking via teleconference with journalists in Maiduguri, announced six northern leaders to serve as mediators between the group and the Jonathan administration. The names included General Buhari, elder statesman Shettima Ali Monguno, former Yobe State governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Ambassador Gaji Galtimari, and activist couple Hajia Aisha Wakil and Alkali Wakil.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn response at the time, the Federal Government, through presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati, welcomed the reported offer of dialogue, describing it as “a positive step towards peace.” Boko Haram, however, tied any ceasefire to hardline demands: the arrest and prosecution of former Borno governor Ali Modu Sheriff, release of detained members, compensation, and reconstruction of mosques destroyed during the 2009 uprising that followed the killing of its founder, Mohammed Yusuf.
The group also insisted that talks be held outside Nigeria, preferably in Saudi Arabia.
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Buhari, however, distanced himself from the purported nomination. Speaking through close associate Buba Galadima, he stated that he had not been contacted formally and would not comment on “unauthenticated claims,” though he expressed prayers for peace in the country.
At the time, then-Borno governor Kashim Shettima urged Nigerians to allow security agencies to investigate suspected sponsors, while Sheriff dismissed accusations against him as baseless, insisting that the root of the insurgency was poverty and political manipulation.
Notably, Boko Haram’s then leader, Abubakar Shekau, later disowned Abdulazeez’s statement in a video message, denouncing the negotiations and issuing threats against Buhari himself. In July 2014, Buhari narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Kaduna blamed on Boko Haram militants.
The issue resurfaced this week as Jonathan revisited the episode, saying:
“It is on record that when we tried dialogue, the sect nominated Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to represent them. People can pretend now, but Nigerians know what happened in 2012.”
The remark drew immediate rebuttals from Buhari’s former aides. Former presidential spokesman Garba Shehu described Jonathan’s account as “a falsehood dressed up as history,” arguing that Shekau had openly threatened Buhari rather than collaborated with him. Bashir Ahmad, another former aide, called the statement “a desperate attempt at rewriting history for political ends.”
Jonathan’s renewed claim comes at a delicate time. Within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he is increasingly being courted to run for president again in 2027. His international stature rose significantly after 2015 when he conceded defeat to Buhari, earning him global praise as a democrat. But his comments on Boko Haram have stirred debate about whether reopening old controversies is a wise move as he weighs a potential comeback.
Analysts also question the timing of his remarks, asking why Jonathan remained silent on the issue while Buhari was still alive and in power. “This revelation underscores the deeply complex and politically charged nature of negotiating with insurgent groups, revealing how Boko Haram sought legitimacy by nominating a prominent figure like Buhari, while highlighting the fragile intersection of conflict, trust, and governance in Nigeria’s security history,” said Princewill Ibe, a political analyst.
The reemergence of the debate highlights not only the difficulty of managing the Boko Haram crisis but also the enduring rivalry between Nigeria’s two most recent ex-presidents now set against the backdrop of Jonathan’s possible 2027 candidacy.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
