The Obidient Movement has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to relinquish any attempt at the presidency and instead support Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.
The call comes hours after the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate met with Jonathan behind closed doors in Abuja.
Obidient Movement is made up of Obi’s loyal supporters.
Recall that on Thursday, Obi took to social media to share pictures of the meeting. He described Jonathan as “a dear elder brother and statesman,” noting that their discussions focused on the state of the nation.
However, Obidient Movement has called on Jonathan to support Obi as the face of the opposition ahead of 2027.
Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Movement, said while Jonathan is respected for his past service, Obi represents the future millions of Nigerians are seeking.
“They have been friends for a long time. The meeting was for them to fraternise and discuss how to rescue Nigeria.
“But for us in the Obidient Movement, it would be great if Jonathan remains the respected statesman he is known for. He has done his best as president, he is respected, and this is the time for him to support his brother,” Tanko said.
He also alleged that some politicians were plotting to use Jonathan against Obi in the emerging opposition coalition but insisted such a plan would not succeed.
“Many Nigerians believe the next president should come from the South, and for fairness, the South East should get the chance. Peter Obi is the ideal candidate,” he added.
Sources familiar with the talks confirmed that Thursday’s meeting was the latest in a string of private engagements between the two leaders since Easter.
Peter Obi finished third in the 2023 presidential election and is expected to contest again in 2027. Although he has expressed support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), he has not formally resigned from the Labour Party or declared membership in the ADC.
Meanwhile, there have been calls for Jonathan, who lost his re-election bid in 2015, to make another attempt at the presidency.