The Obidient Movement has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to shelve any presidential ambition in 2027 and instead throw his support behind Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.
The call comes after Jonathan and Obi held a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Thursday amid rising speculations about a possible opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although details of the meeting were not disclosed, Obi shared pictures on his official X handle, describing Jonathan as “a very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader,” while noting that their discussions centred on the state of the nation.
However, the leadership of the Obidient Movement insists that Jonathan should play the role of a respected elder statesman by backing Obi.
Speaking to Daily Trust, the National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said:
“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 recalled that Obi served on Jonathan’s economic management team and supported his administration, stressing that it is only fair for Jonathan to reciprocate by endorsing Obi’s 2027 ambition.
He also alleged that some politicians are attempting to use Jonathan to weaken Obi’s chances but warned that such a plan would not succeed.
“We are aware of such moves, but we strongly believe they will 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,” Tanko added.
Sources close to both camps confirmed that Jonathan and Obi have met at least three times since Easter to discuss potential alignment. The sticking point remains who should step down for the other as a consensus candidate.
Jonathan, who is being courted by PDP and ADC leaders due to his stronger northern appeal, is seen as a unifying figure for the opposition. Meanwhile, Obi’s camp argues that the momentum from the 2023 election and the nationwide strength of the Obidient Movement make him the natural choice.
Analysts warn that if both men contest separately, they risk splitting their support base in the South and Middle Belt, potentially handing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an easy path to re-election.
