Peter Obi holds closed-door meeting with Goodluck Jonathan

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.

Obi disclosed the meeting in a post on his official social media handles, where he described Jonathan as a “dear elder brother, statesman, and leader.”

“Today in Abuja, I met with my very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader, former President Goodluck Jonathan. We had a fruitful closed-door meeting and discussed the state of our dear nation,” Obi wrote.

Details of discussion remain private

Although neither Obi nor Jonathan provided specifics on what was discussed, the meeting comes at a time of heightened national concern over insecurity, food inflation, unemployment, and governance challenges.

Political observers say such consultations highlight ongoing engagements among Nigeria’s political leaders on how best to address the country’s pressing issues.

Jonathan’s role as elder statesman

Since leaving office in 2015, Jonathan has played an active role as a statesman, particularly through peacebuilding efforts across Africa. He has served as a mediator in electoral disputes and governance dialogues in countries such as Mali, Gambia, and South Sudan, under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international bodies.

Within Nigeria, Jonathan remains a respected figure across political divides, often sought after for counsel on national unity, democratic consolidation, and conflict resolution.

Obi’s continuing political engagements

For Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential election, the meeting adds to a series of consultations he has held with political, religious, and traditional leaders across the country. The former Anambra State governor has consistently spoken on issues of governance reform, poverty reduction, and the need for what he calls a “New Nigeria.”

His meeting with Jonathan is likely to be interpreted by political watchers as part of ongoing efforts to build alliances and strengthen his political network ahead of the 2027 elections, even though Obi has not formally declared his intention to contest again.

Significance of the meeting

While the details remain private, the symbolism of a meeting between a former president and a prominent opposition figure underscores the importance of dialogue in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

Both Jonathan and Obi have repeatedly emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes unity, security, and economic development. Their engagement in Abuja will be seen by many as part of wider conversations about Nigeria’s political future and the role of experienced voices in shaping it.