Fresh details have emerged on the reasons behind the closed-door meeting between Peter Obi and former President Goodluck Jonathan, as political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The clarification was provided by Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, during an interview with The PUNCH.
Peter Obi and Goodluck Jonathan met privately on Monday in what observers describe as part of the former Anambra State governor’s expanding political outreach. The meeting, which quickly gained traction on social media, was publicised by the ADC Vanguard, a mobilisation arm of the African Democratic Congress coalition.
Yunusa Tanko explained that the visit was part of a broader strategy to engage national leaders and secure support for Obi’s presidential ambition, which he said reflects the preference of many Nigerian youths.
“It is a visit to our national leaders and at the same time to appeal to them to support the candidature of Peter Obi, based on the fact that Nigerian youths have made up their minds that he is the most preferred candidate,” he said.
He added that the outreach also aims to promote national unity and address perceived political marginalisation of the South-East region.
According to Tanko, the meeting with Goodluck Jonathan was strategic, given Obi’s role during his presidency, expressing confidence that the former leader’s backing could strengthen Obi’s chances.
“We believe that with his support, it will propel Obi’s candidature to a greater height,” he said, noting that similar consultations had been held with northern leaders, including Ango Abdullahi.
When asked whether the visit formed part of wider consultations to position Obi as a consensus candidate amid ongoing opposition talks, Tanko answered in the affirmative.
“You can never stop consultation until the very last minute—except the day you are sworn in as President,” he added.
Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, echoed the same position in a brief statement, noting that the meeting was part of ongoing engagements with former national leaders.
Quoting Obi, Umar said, “We need to consult leaders like him who served the country faithfully and upheld democratic values. In times like this, such consultations are necessary.”
Peter Obi revealed that he had also met with former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida as part of his nationwide consultations.
However, he declined to disclose details of the outcome of the meeting with Goodluck Jonathan, stating only that the former President emphasised the importance of credible elections.
“He wished that Nigeria would have free, fair, and credible elections. There cannot be a one-party system,” Obi said, adding that Jonathan had not endorsed his potential 2027 ambition.
“We are not talking about endorsement yet. When I become a candidate, I will return for that. For now, we are here to consult,” he added.
The ADC Vanguard described the meeting as “high-level,” suggesting discussions may have included the possibility of opposition parties rallying behind a single presidential candidate.
Obi was accompanied by a delegation of South-East leaders, including elders, senators, and political associates.
The development comes amid growing speculation of a potential alliance between Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, both key figures within the ADC coalition.
It also follows a recent opposition summit held in Ibadan, hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, which brought together prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders resolved to form a united front, resist any drift toward a one-party system, and work towards presenting a consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
