2027: Peter Obi, South-East Leaders Meet Jonathan in Abuja over Presidential Consultations

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi on Monday led a delegation of prominent South-East leaders to the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan as part of ongoing political consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The closed-door meeting, held at Jonathan’s Maitama home, lasted about two hours and brought together several notable Igbo political figures, including former Enugu State governor Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Imo State governor Chief Achike Udenwa, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, and Senators Ben Obi and Victor Umeh, among others.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Obi said the visit was part of a broader consultation process with former national leaders as he pursues his 2027 presidential ambition.

He explained that he was not seeking endorsement at this stage but rather engaging in discussions and exchanging views with elder statesmen on the future of the country and the state of democracy.

According to him, Jonathan remains one of the country’s respected democratic leaders whose experience and leadership are valuable at a time Nigeria is facing significant 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 governor disclosed that the visit was also aimed at discussing the need for credible elections and the protection of democratic values in Nigeria.

He said Jonathan strongly believes in free, fair, and transparent elections and does not support the idea of a one-party state.

“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 stated.

He clarified, however, that the former president had not endorsed his 2027 ambition, stressing that such discussions would only come after he officially emerges as a candidate.

“We’re not talking about endorsement yet. When I become a candidate, I’ll come back for endorsement. We are here to consult with him,” he added.

Obi has in recent weeks intensified consultations with key political figures across the country, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former military president Ibrahim Babangida, as speculation grows over his next political platform.

Reports indicate that he is seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election after contesting the 2023 election under the Labour Party platform.

The consultations are seen as part of strategic moves to build alliances and secure broader national support ahead of what is expected to be another fiercely contested presidential race.