Obi takes consultation to Jonathan
Ahead of 2027 elections, opposition leader and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, yesterday led a high-powered delegation of Southeast leaders to the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Ahead of 2027 elections, opposition leader and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, yesterday led a high-powered delegation of Southeast leaders to the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The meeting, which lasted approximately two hours at Jonathan’s Maitama home, came as Obi ramped up national consultations ahead of a projected run for president.
The delegation featured a “who’s who” of Southeast political heavyweights, highlighting the regional backing behind Obi’s renewed bid.
Among those present were former Governor of Enugu State Dr. Okwesilize Nwodo, former Governor of Imo State Chief Achike Udenwa, former NDDC Managing Director Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Senator Ben Obi and Senator Victor Umeh.
Obi told reporters after the meeting that the visit was a strategic exchange of views rather than a formal request for a blessing.
“We’re not talking about an endorsement yet,” Obi stated. “When I become a candidate, I’ll come back for endorsement. For now, we are here to consult with him.”
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Obi noted that in Nigeria’s current socio-economic climate, the counsel of former leaders who championed democratic values is essential.
“We need to consult them, especially someone like him [Jonathan] who served the country very faithfully, focused, and did what is expected in a democracy. In this declining situation, you consult him,” Obi added.
While the specific details of the private discussion remained guarded, Obi noted that the former President remains deeply concerned about the health of Nigeria’s democracy. He cited Jonathan’s firm stance against the emergence of a monolithic political landscape.
“He wished that we had a free, fair, credible election. There can’t be a one-party system. He cannot support such a thing. Nobody can claim to be more of a democrat in this country than Jonathan,” Obi remarked.
Last week, Obi and another delegation of Southeast leaders visited Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in what he described as a handshake between Southeast and the Northeast geo-political zones.
It was also part of his consultation ahead of his bid for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket.
On Saturday, Obi was among leaders of the opposition at their summit in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
