Frontline presidential aspirant and former Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja as part of ongoing political consultations ahead of the 2027 general election.
The meeting, which took place at Jonathan’s residence in Maitama, lasted for about two hours and was attended by several prominent Igbo leaders. Among those present were former Enugu State governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo; former Imo State governor, Achike Udenwa; former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Onyema Ugochukwu; as well as Senators Ben Obi and Victor Umeh, among others.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Obi said the visit was part of a broader engagement with former national leaders as he explores his 2027 presidential ambition. He noted that the consultations are aimed at seeking guidance and exchanging views on the country’s current political and economic challenges.
“We need to consult them, especially someone like him who served the country very faithfully, focused, and did what is expected in a democracy. In this declining situation, you consult him,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor disclosed that he is seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but clarified that the visit to Jonathan was not for endorsement.
“We’re not talking about an endorsement yet. When I become a candidate, I’ll come back for endorsement. We are here to consult with him,” he added.
Obi declined to provide details of the outcome of the discussions but revealed that Jonathan expressed his desire for credible elections in Nigeria and reiterated opposition to a one-party system.
“He wished that we had a free, fair, credible election. There can’t be a one-party system. He cannot support such a thing,” Obi said, describing the former president as a committed democrat.
The meeting with Jonathan comes on the heels of similar visits by Obi to other former Nigerian leaders, including ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and former military president Ibrahim Babangida, as part of efforts to build consensus and strengthen his political base ahead of 2027.
The latest consultation underscores Obi’s continued engagement with key stakeholders across the country as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next general election cycle.
