Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Thursday held a private meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.
Obi confirmed the engagement in a post on X, where he described Jonathan as “a dear elder brother, statesman, and leader.” He added that their discussion focused on the state of the nation, noting that it was a fruitful exchange.
The meeting has stirred fresh speculation about alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with some political voices suggesting that Jonathan or Obi could play a central role in the opposition’s strategy. Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed recently hinted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may look to either of the two figures to lead the party into the next contest.
Abba Moro, senator representing Benue South, also disclosed that several party stakeholders have been reaching out to both men, even suggesting that Obi could secure the PDP ticket if he decided to return.
For now, Obi has maintained that he will contest under the Labour Party, backed by its coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Jonathan, however, has kept his future political plans under wraps.
Only last week, the former president reflected on his 2015 re-election defeat, saying betrayal defined much of his political experience at the time. “In Nigerian politics, it is difficult to find anyone who holds the same position in the morning, afternoon, and evening,” he remarked, hinting at the shifting loyalties that shaped that period.
The Abuja meeting has therefore added to the growing debate about potential alliances and the shape of the opposition ahead of 2027.
