Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has described his closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday as frank, thoughtful, and focused on Nigeria’s urgent need for reform.
Obi said the meeting centred on repositioning the country toward unity, security, stability, productivity, and inclusive governance, amid rising economic hardship and insecurity across Nigeria.
The former Anambra State governor noted that the engagement formed part of his ongoing consultations with national leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections. He was accompanied by South-East political leaders, including Igbo elders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the Senate.
“Our discussions were frank, thoughtful, and anchored on the urgent need to reposition Nigeria on the path of unity, security, stability, productivity, and inclusive governance,” Obi said in a post on X.
He stressed that Nigeria requires leadership defined not by ambition, but by competence, character, capacity, and compassion, adding that governance must focus on creating opportunities rather than sharing limited resources.
“Governance is not about sharing what is left, but about creating what is needed,” he said.
Obi further argued that Nigeria must shift from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based system that fully harnesses its human and natural resources for national development.
He described the 2027 elections as a critical moment for national reset, emphasizing that they should prioritise citizens’ welfare, particularly education, job creation, and security.
“The 2027 elections must not just be seen as another political exercise, but as a critical opportunity to reset the trajectory of our country,” he said.
The meeting comes amid growing opposition consultations aimed at building a united front ahead of the polls. The ADC mobilisation wing, known as ADC Vanguard, said discussions are ongoing about presenting a single presidential candidate to challenge the ruling party.
This follows a recent opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, where figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi gathered under the chairmanship of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The summit reportedly produced the “Ibadan Declaration,” which called for a unified opposition front ahead of 2027.
Obi concluded by expressing optimism that Nigeria can be repositioned through dialogue and collective commitment to national progress.
“I remain convinced that through sincere dialogue, unity of purpose, and a firm commitment to doing what is right, Nigeria can and will rise again,” he said.
