In a stunning revelation, former President Goodluck Jonathan has disclosed that the violent group Boko Haram once chose his successor, Muhammadu Buhari, to speak for them. Jonathan explained that during his time as leader, his government tried to start peace talks with the militants. It was during one of these attempts that the group named the then-opposition figure, Buhari, as their chosen representative for negotiations.

This unexpected demand made Jonathan believe that if Buhari ever became president, he would find it easy to calm the fighters. He thought the group’s clear trust in Buhari would be the key to ending the violence. However, that hope faded when Buhari took power in 2015 and the conflict did not stop.

Jonathan shared this story at a public event in Abuja, reflecting on the long-lasting security crisis. The insurgency began when he was vice president and grew throughout his own presidency. He admitted he assumed Buhari, with the strong support he had, would quickly finish the fight.

Yet, years later, Boko Haram remains a deadly force in Nigeria. Jonathan emphasized that the problem is much deeper and more complicated than many people understand. His account suggests that the solution requires more than just a familiar face; it demands a deeper look into the true nature of the group and a new approach to peace.