Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, met in Abuja on Thursday to discuss what they described as the “state of the nation.”
Obi, who confirmed the meeting in a post on X, said their closed-door talks were “fruitful” and centered on issues affecting Nigeria. He described Jonathan as “a dear elder brother, statesman, and leader.”
The meeting comes against the backdrop of rising speculation over the 2027 presidential race. Some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, including Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, have hinted that the party is weighing the prospects of fielding either Jonathan or Obi.
Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) also disclosed that stakeholders have been engaging both men on a possible return to the PDP. Moro suggested Obi could emerge as the party’s flagbearer in 2027 if he decides to rejoin.
While Obi has already declared his intention to run again, Jonathan has kept Nigerians guessing about his political future. Last week, the former president said he suffered betrayals from close allies during his 2015 re-election bid, adding that politics in Nigeria is “defined by betrayals.”
“In politics, it is difficult to find anyone who maintains the same position in the morning, afternoon, and evening,” Jonathan remarked.
