The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has intensified consultations with political heavyweights as he prepares to make another run for the presidency in 2027.
An official announcement on his political platform is expected in November.
Naijaonpoint learnt that Obi’s recent meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja was aimed at seeking his support and persuading him not to join the 2027 race.
According to multiple sources who spoke with Punch, Obi later briefed former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the outcome of the Jonathan meeting, while also soliciting his continued backing.
A senior insider in Obi’s camp said, “His meeting with Jonathan was to appeal to him not to run but instead to support him. He believes Jonathan’s support would be a major boost for his chances. Afterwards, he met Obasanjo to brief him and to deepen consultations.”
The source added that Obi’s formal declaration in November would determine whether he would remain in the Labour Party or switch to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a coalition platform recently embraced by some of his supporters.
Another insider revealed that the former Anambra governor is also planning consultations with former heads of state and traditional rulers before his declaration.
“He still belongs to the Labour Party for now, but in the coming days he will also meet General Ibrahim Babangida, General T.Y. Danjuma, General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and others,” the source said.
Obidient Movement Reacts
When contacted, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, described Obi’s engagements with former leaders as “friendly consultations.”
“These are regular meetings between old friends and statesmen. Obi is still a member of the Labour Party, and any decision about his political platform will be announced in November after full consultations,” Tanko explained.
He urged members of the movement to remain active, mobilise support and continue promoting Obi’s agenda.
“Everyone should continue to speak about what Peter Obi will do for Nigeria in lifting people out of poverty, improving security, health, and the economy. That’s our focus,” Tanko added.
APC Dismisses Obi’s Moves
Reacting, the All Progressives Congress described Obi’s consultations as inconsequential.
The party’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said Nigerians were satisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s performance and that Obi would face another defeat in 2027.
Ibrahim said, “There is nothing new Obi is doing that he didn’t do in 2023 when he was defeated. All these leaders he is consulting, he has met them before. At the end of the day, he was defeated then, and we are confident he will be defeated again.
“This is based on performance and the confidence Nigerians have in our party. The indices show we are delivering on our promises, and we will continue until we fully renew the people’s hope.”