Fresh details have emerged from a closed-door meeting between Peter Obi and Goodluck Jonathan, as political consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to gather pace.
Politics Nigeria reports that the meeting took place on Monday at Jonathan’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, and it lasted for about two hours.
Obi, a leading figure in the 2027 race and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, arrived with a delegation of prominent leaders from the South-East.
Among those present were former Enugu State governor Okwesilize Nwodo, former Imo State governor Achike Udenwa, ex-Managing Director of the NDDC Onyema Ugochukwu, and Senators Ben Obi and Victor Umeh.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Obi said the visit was part of ongoing consultations with former leaders of the country. He made it clear that the purpose was not to seek endorsement at this stage, but to exchange ideas and seek guidance.
“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 said.
The former Anambra State governor noted that he is currently exploring his political future under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He explained that discussions are still ongoing and that no formal endorsement request has been made to Jonathan.
According to him, the meeting focused on national issues and the need to strengthen democratic values. He added that Jonathan expressed concern about the state of the country and emphasized the importance of credible elections.
“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 stated.
Despite growing speculation around alliances ahead of 2027, Obi insisted that no endorsement was discussed during the visit.
“We’re not talking about an endorsement yet. When I become a candidate, I’ll come back for endorsement. He wishes the country well. We are here to consult with him,” he added.
The latest visit is part of a wider consultation drive by Obi. In recent weeks, Politics Nigeria earlier reported that he has met with other former Nigerian leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, as he builds momentum ahead of the next year’s election.