By Kingsley Ohens
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi on Monday led a delegation of notable South East leaders to a closed-door consultation with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.
The meeting, which focused on the 2027 general elections and the broader future of Nigeria, forms part of Obi’s ongoing engagements with key national leaders.
In a statement posted on his X handle shortly after the parley, Obi described the discussions as “frank [and] thoughtful,” saying it centred on repositioning Nigeria towards unity, security, stability, productivity, and inclusive governance.
“At a time when our nation continues to grapple with economic hardship, rising insecurity, and deepening social divisions, it has become imperative that leaders across regions come together to reflect, consult, and act in the overall interest of the Nigerian people,” Obi wrote.
He stressed the need for leadership driven by competence, character, capacity, and compassion, rather than personal ambition. Obi advocated shifting Nigeria from a “consumption-driven nation to a production-driven one,” where the country’s human and natural resources are harnessed for the common good.
“The 2027 elections must therefore not just be seen as another political exercise, but as a critical opportunity to reset the trajectory of our country,” he added.
“It must be about the Nigerian child who deserves quality education, the struggling entrepreneur who needs a conducive environment to thrive, and the millions of citizens who simply desire a secure and functional nation.”
Obi expressed confidence that sincere dialogue and unity of purpose could help Nigeria overcome its challenges, ending with his signature phrase: “A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO”
The engagement comes amid heightened political permutations ahead of the 2027 polls, with Obi, now associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in some reports, intensifying consultations across the country. Details of specific attendees from the South East or outcomes of the meeting beyond Obi’s post were not immediately disclosed, as the discussion was held behind closed doors.
Jonathan, who has maintained a relatively low political profile since leaving office in 2015, has increasingly been seen as a statesman whose counsel is sought by various political actors. The Monday meeting is viewed by observers as part of broader efforts to forge opposition alliances or build consensus on national issues.
Political analysts say such cross-regional and cross-party consultations signal early moves by major figures to influence the direction of the 2027 race, even as economic difficulties and security concerns continue to dominate public discourse.
Obi has consistently positioned his political activities around good governance, economic productivity, and youth-focused development. His latest outreach to Jonathan and South East leaders underscores his emphasis on collaborative leadership to address Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
