A North-East socio-political group, Bring Back Our Goodluck, has tendered a public apology to former President Goodluck Jonathan, admitting it was misled by foreign influence and local politicians into believing he sponsored terrorism in the region.
Speaking at a press conference in Maiduguri on Friday, the group’s National President, Grema Kyari, described the past allegations as “baseless lies” aimed at discrediting Jonathan and removing him from office in 2015.
“I come before you not only as the National Chairman of Bring Back Our Goodluck but as a witness to history and as a Nigerian who, like millions of others, was once misled,” Kyari said.
He explained that at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, narratives suggesting Jonathan’s involvement gained traction because of limited access to truth.
Kyari admitted he was among those who believed the claims but said with clearer understanding, the group now recognises Jonathan as a leader of “integrity, compassion, and vision.”
The group praised Jonathan’s democratic credentials, particularly his decision to concede defeat in 2015 before final results were announced, a move credited with averting post-election violence. They also cited his defence of Nigeria’s cultural values, referencing his signing of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act in 2014 despite international pressure.
On governance, Kyari recalled Jonathan’s reversal of partial fuel subsidy removal in 2012 following mass protests, contrasting it with the current administration’s removal, which has triggered widespread hardship. He also lauded the former President’s merit-based appointments and inclusive leadership style.
Calling on Jonathan to return to active politics, the group urged him to contest the 2027 presidential elections.
“On behalf of Bring Back Our Goodluck, I call on all well-meaning Nigerians, from the North to the South, East to West, to join hands in urging Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to once again answer the call of history. In this moment of economic crisis, he deserves another chance to lead,” Kyari declared.
