The recent meeting between Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, and former President Goodluck Jonathan, has stirred widespread speculation about potential political shifts ahead of the 2027 elections. However, Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, has firmly dismissed claims that the encounter was politically motivated.
Tanko explained that the relationship between Obi and Jonathan spans years, and their discussions were not aimed at political manoeuvring. “The relationship between Obi and Jonathan has been ongoing for a very long time. It’s not politically driven; it’s about national issues,” Tanko clarified in an interview with Saturday PUNCH.
The meeting, which was held behind closed doors, had generated interest due to its timing amid increasing speculation about political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. Obi himself had described the encounter as “fruitful” and centered on discussions regarding “the state of our dear nation.”
Despite these remarks, Tanko emphasized that the meeting was not a part of any political agenda. He further elaborated, stating, “Both Jonathan and Obi have been meeting without even public attention. In fact, people didn’t notice it until rumors about Jonathan’s possible political re-entry started circulating. That’s when people began to pay attention.”
Tanko also praised both leaders for their roles as elder statesmen. “Jonathan is a statesman, and Obi is gradually becoming one. The nation is facing a crisis, and the focus should be on how to rescue it, not on political maneuvering.”
Peter Obi, who broke Nigeria’s two-party dominance with his strong third-place finish in the 2023 presidential race, has continued to build relationships with political heavyweights, a move often interpreted as positioning for future elections.
Meanwhile, Jonathan has embraced the role of a mediator and elder statesman since leaving office in 2015, advocating for peace and democratic governance across Africa.
