Jonathan Meets Obi, South-East Leaders in Abuja Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday held a closed-door meeting with former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and a delegation of South-East political leaders at his residence in Abuja.

The meeting comes as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi, who previously contested for president under the Labour Party, has already signaled interest in running again, this time on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Among those present at the meeting were former Enugu State governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo; former Imo State governor, Achike Udenwa; former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Onyema Ugochukwu; and Senator Victor Umeh.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Obi said the visit was part of consultations with key national figures regarding the future of Nigeria’s democracy and the upcoming elections.

According to him, Jonathan emphasized the importance of free, fair, and credible elections, while also expressing opposition to the emergence of a one-party system in the country.

Obi described the former president as a committed democrat who served Nigeria faithfully, adding that leaders like Jonathan now occupy an advisory role similar to other elder statesmen such as Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida.

“We are not here for endorsement yet,” Obi clarified. “When I become a candidate, I will return for that. For now, we are consulting him because of his experience and commitment to democratic values.”

The meeting follows Jonathan’s recent private engagement with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, the details of which have not been disclosed.

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate and businessman, Gbenga Hashim, has called on the Nigerian Labour movement to take a more active role in protecting the country’s democracy.

During a visit to Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, Hashim warned against what he described as a gradual drift toward a one-party state under the current administration.

He stressed that Nigeria’s democratic progress has historically been driven by the working class and urged Labour leaders to remain at the forefront of efforts to preserve democratic governance.

Hashim also cautioned that democracy could lose its relevance if the welfare of citizens, especially workers, is neglected, calling on political leaders to prioritize policies that improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.