Fresh details have emerged from a closed-door meeting between Peter Obi and former President Goodluck Jonathan, as political consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to gather momentum.
The meeting, which took place on Monday at Jonathan’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, reportedly lasted for about two hours. Obi, a key figure in the evolving 2027 political landscape and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, was accompanied by 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, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission Onyema Ugochukwu, as well as Senators Ben Obi and Victor Umeh.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Obi said the visit formed part of ongoing consultations with former national leaders, stressing that the engagement was not aimed at securing endorsement at this stage.
“We need to consult them, especially someone like him who served the country very faithfully 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 currently exploring his political future within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), noting that discussions are ongoing and no final decisions have been made.
According to him, the meeting focused largely on national issues, including governance, democratic values, and the state of the country. Obi added that Jonathan expressed concerns about Nigeria’s current trajectory, particularly in relation to electoral integrity.
“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 stated, attributing the remarks to the former president.
Obi also emphasised that no discussions about political endorsement took place during the visit, clarifying that such conversations would only occur if and when he formally emerges as a candidate.
“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.
The meeting is part of a broader series of consultations by Obi as he builds alliances and engages key stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections. In recent weeks, he has also met with other former Nigerian leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida.
Political observers say such consultations are a common strategy among aspirants seeking to strengthen their networks and gain insights from experienced statesmen. They note that engagements with former leaders often serve as platforms for discussing national challenges and exploring pathways for political collaboration.
As political activities gradually intensify, the focus is expected to remain on alliance-building, party realignments, and consultations across regions. Obi’s outreach efforts highlight the increasing pace of preparations among potential contenders ahead of the next general election cycle.
While no formal declarations have been made regarding candidacy or party alignment, the ongoing consultations suggest that key political actors are positioning themselves early, setting the stage for what is likely to be a highly competitive 2027 presidential race.
