Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and former presidential candidate Peter Obi recently held a significant closed-door meeting in Abuja, sparking widespread discussions about their political alignment and future strategies. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, was disclosed by Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections and former Anambra State governor, on his Facebook and X accounts.

According to Obi's own statements, the engagement was a "fruitful closed-door meeting" where they discussed "the state of our dear nation." Obi publicly referred to Jonathan as his "very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader." While Obi emphasized national matters, details emerging from various reports suggested a deeper political agenda.

TRIBUNE ONLINE reported that the discussions between the two leaders were centered on strategies for a unified front in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. This meeting was not an isolated event but rather a continuation of previous conversations concerning the 2027 race. However, at the initial time of reporting, Tribune Online could not definitively ascertain if the 2027 general elections were explicitly discussed during this specific meeting.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement, further confirmed the ongoing nature of these discussions in a statement released on Friday. Tanko highlighted the long-standing friendship between Jonathan and Obi, stating that the meeting served as an opportunity for them to "fraternise and discuss how to rescue Nigeria."

From the perspective of the OBIdient Movement, Tanko expressed a strong desire for Jonathan to maintain his respected statesman status and to lend his support to Obi. He also voiced concerns about alleged political machinations, claiming that some politicians were plotting to leverage Jonathan against Obi. Tanko firmly asserted that the OBIdient Movement was aware of such moves and was confident they would not succeed.

Adding another layer to the political considerations, Bauchi State governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, Muhammad Bala, recently indicated that the PDP is considering both Jonathan and Peter Obi as potential candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. This broader context underscores the significance of the meeting between Jonathan and Obi, positioning it as a pivotal development in the evolving political landscape leading up to the next presidential contest.