…Former President Welcomes Obi, But Reticent Over Politics of 2027
By Franklin Adole
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday held a closed-door meeting with frontline 2027 presidential aspirant and former Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, alongside a delegation of prominent Igbo leaders at his Maitama residence in Abuja, maintaining a characteristically quiet stance after the engagement.
The meeting, which lasted about two hours, was attended by key South-East figures, including former Enugu State governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo; former Imo State governor, Achike Udenwa; former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Onyema Ugochukwu; and Senators Ben Obi and Victor Umeh, among others.
A statement issued by Ibrahim Umar, spokesman for the Obi Media Team, said the visit formed part of Obi’s ongoing consultations with former national leaders as he explores his 2027 presidential ambition.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Obi said the delegation was at Jonathan’s residence for consultations and exchange of views, stressing that no request for endorsement was made.
“We’re not talking about endorsement yet. When I become a candidate, I will come back for endorsement. We are here to consult with him,” Obi said.
He disclosed that Jonathan emphasised the need for free, fair, and credible elections.
“There can’t be a one-party system. He cannot support such a thing,” Obi said, adding that Jonathan wished the country well.
Beyond these remarks relayed by Obi, Jonathan did not publicly comment on the meeting, a posture similar to his earlier engagement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar months ago, where he also refrained from making detailed public statements.
In a personal statement following the visit, Obi described the discussions as “frank and thoughtful,” centred on the 2027 general elections and the broader future of Nigeria.
He highlighted the need to reposition the country towards unity, security, stability, productivity, and inclusive governance, amid what he described as economic hardship, rising insecurity, and deepening social divisions.
Obi stressed that the 2027 elections should be seen as a critical opportunity to reset Nigeria’s trajectory, calling for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, and compassion.
He also advocated a shift from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven model, noting that Nigeria’s resources must be effectively harnessed for national development.
“The elections must be about the Nigerian child who deserves quality education, the struggling entrepreneur who needs a conducive environment, and citizens who desire a secure and functional nation,” Obi said.
He expressed confidence that through sincere dialogue, unity of purpose, and commitment to doing what is right, Nigeria can overcome its challenges.