The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, has denied claims that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, met with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja to seek political support for the 2027 elections.
Tanko explained that the private meeting, held earlier this week, focused on national issues and not politics.
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“The relationship between Obi and Jonathan has been going on for a very long time. So it has nothing to do with the continuous engagement that they have. It’s about the country,” he told Saturday PUNCH.
Obi had described the discussion as “fruitful” and centered on “the state of our dear nation.” The meeting, however, stirred speculations about political realignments ahead of 2027.
Tanko dismissed those claims, saying, “Both Jonathan and Obi have been meeting without even the notice of the public. People only picked interest when talks about Jonathan getting into the ring of contests started going viral. But they have a very good working relationship. So, it’s not as if he’s all out seeking his support.”
He added that Jonathan is already a respected elder statesman, while Obi is “gradually becoming one,” stressing that the country’s problems should be the main concern. “The country is currently on the brink. What we should be concerned about is how to rescue it,” Tanko said.
Since 2015, Jonathan has taken up the role of a peace mediator and democracy advocate across Africa. Meanwhile, Obi continues to meet with top political figures nationwide, a move that many still see as part of his subtle preparations for the 2027 race.