Fresh details have surfaced regarding a closed-door meeting between former President Goodluck Jonathan and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, sparking speculation about a possible united opposition front ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Peter Obi confirmed the meeting on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, noting it was part of ongoing consultations. Sources familiar with the development revealed that the meeting is the latest in a series of private talks between the two leaders since Easter 2025.
According to insiders, both Jonathan and Obi acknowledge they share a similar political base. Analysts believe that entering the 2027 race separately could strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“This is about the third or fourth time they’ve met. The main issue has been who should step down for the other as the coalition’s presidential candidate,” a source told Daily Trust. “Remember, Obi’s votes in 2023 largely came from the South-East, South-South, and parts of the Middle Belt, which were also Jonathan’s strongholds in 2011. They know going into 2027 divided will be politically costly.”
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reportedly been appealing to Jonathan to contest under its platform, though the former president is cautious due to the party’s lingering internal crises.
Another source revealed concerns within Obi’s camp about being marginalized in a potential coalition. “The Obidient Movement is still skeptical. They want guarantees that their influence won’t be traded away,” the insider explained.
The political permutations highlight the intense maneuvering already shaping the 2027 presidential race, with Jonathan and Obi seen as pivotal figures in determining whether Nigeria will see a strong opposition coalition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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