Posted by Niger Delta Youth Council
Category: NDYC News & Updates
Vindicating Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and Former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan from False Political Allegations
PUBLIC REBUTTAL STATEMENT
Date: June 2, 2025
Issued by: Niger Delta Progress Reporters
Signed: Dave Ikiedei Asei, Managing Editor
Introduction
The Niger Delta Progress Reporters has conducted an independent fact-check and investigation into recent social media rumors alleging that Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is clandestinely sponsoring a supposed 2027 presidential ambition of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Following weeks of tracking publications, verifying official statements, and cross-checking various media sources, we found no credible evidence to support these claims. This statement serves to formally rebut and dismiss the allegation as baseless, politically motivated, and damaging to public discourse.
Key Findings
- No credible publication or news platform—including Premium Times, Vanguard, The Punch, Daily Trust, and ThisDay—has reported any link between Dr. Ogbuku and any form of political sponsorship for Jonathan.
- Dr. Ogbuku has publicly declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 reelection, not any alternative candidacy.
- Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s media team has repeatedly denied all claims relating to a 2027 political ambition. Campaign posters in Kano and elsewhere have been described as mischievous and unauthorized.
- Investigative reports and fact-checks by reputable media (Channels TV, FactCheckHub) reveal zero connection between the two men regarding any 2027 political maneuvering.
Reputation and Conduct
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku remains focused on infrastructure development, economic revitalization, and community engagement in the Niger Delta through his leadership of the NDDC. Allegations implying misuse of public office for political gain are contradicted by both his policy direction and public record.
Similarly, former President Jonathan, now a global ambassador for peace and democracy, has distanced himself from domestic partisan politics. He has neither declared nor endorsed any political ambition and continues to serve Nigeria and Africa in non-partisan diplomatic roles.
Call to Action
We call on members of the media, civil society, political commentators, and the general public to:
Uphold accuracy and responsibility in public discourse.
Desist from circulating unverified information on social media and blogs.
Encourage constructive political engagement rooted in fact, not fiction.
Legal Considerations
We urge the affected individuals and institutions to explore legal remedies against defamatory actors or platforms promoting this false narrative. This will help uphold integrity and accountability in public communication.
Conclusion
There is no factual basis for the claim that Dr. Samuel Ogbuku is bankrolling or politically aligning with former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 election. These allegations should be seen as an orchestrated attempt to distract from their ongoing developmental contributions and tarnish their public image.
The Niger Delta and indeed the entire nation should reject these fabrications and continue to support leaders committed to transparency, peace, and national unity.
References
BBC News Pidgin. (2023, November 6). No be me put poster for Kano – Jonathan deny say e wan run 2027. https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/cv2rrjdgw8go
Channels Television. (2024, April 8). No links between Ogbuku and Jonathan’s alleged campaign – Fact check. https://www.channelstv.com
Daily Trust. (2024, March 20). Ogbuku emphasizes development over politics in Niger Delta. https://dailytrust.com
FactCheckHub. (2024, February 12). Claim: Is Goodluck Jonathan contesting in 2027? Verdict: False. https://factcheckhub.com
Leadership News. (2024, January 16). Dr. Ogbuku’s achievements as NDDC MD earn public praise. https://leadership.ng
Niger Delta Progress Reporters. (2025, June 2). Fact-check investigation: No evidence linking NDDC MD to Jonathan’s alleged candidacy. [Internal Report].
Premium Times. (2024, November 18). NDDC MD, Ogbuku, declares support for Tinubu, denies Bayelsa guber ambition. https://www.premiumtimesng.com
Punch Newspaper. (2023, December 5). Jonathan urges politicians to avoid distractions, says he’s focused on peace missions. https://punchng.com
TheCable. (2023, October 27). PDP denies wooing Goodluck Jonathan for 2027 presidential election. https://www.thecable.ng
The Nation Newspaper. (2024, February 10). NDDC making visible impact under Ogbuku’s leadership – Stakeholders. https://thenationonlineng.net
ThisDay Live. (2024, January 9). No presidential ambition — Jonathan’s camp refutes claims. https://www.thisdaylive.com
Vanguard News. (2024, March 11). Jonathan disowns 2027 campaign posters, media team labels them mischief. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/03/jonathan-disowns-2027-campaign-posters