Our Reporter, Abuja
Leading presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former governorofAnambra State, Peter Obi, on Monday led a delegation of notable South-East leaders to meet with former President Goodluck Jonathan as part of ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi disclosed that the visit formed part of his broader engagement with key Nigerian stakeholders on the future of the country, stressing the need for collective action in addressing the nation’s pressing challenges.
“In continuation of my extensive consultations with Nigerian leaders, today, notable South-East leaders and I visited our respected former President Goodluck Jonathan on a consultation regarding the 2027 general elections and, more importantly, the future of our dear nation,” he said.
According to Obi, discussions during the meeting were “frank and thoughtful,” focusing on repositioning Nigeria along the lines of unity, security, stability, productivity, and inclusive governance.
He noted that the country is currently facing significant socio-economic and security challenges, which require leaders across regions to come together in the national interest.
“At a time when our nation continues to grapple with economic hardship, rising insecurity, and deepening social divisions, it has become imperative that leaders across regions come together to reflect, consult, and act in the overall interest of the Nigerian people,” he added.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023 emphasized the need for a shift in leadership orientation, advocating competence, character, capacity, and compassion as critical benchmarks for governance.
“Nigeria today requires leadership that is guided not by personal ambition, but by competence, character, capacity, and compassion. Governance is not about sharing what is left, but about creating what is needed,” Obi stated.
He further stressed the urgency of transitioning Nigeria from a consumption-driven to a production-driven economy, where both human and natural resources are effectively harnessed.
Obi described the 2027 elections as a defining moment for the country, urging Nigerians to view the process as an opportunity to reset the nation’s trajectory.
“The 2027 elections must not just be seen as another political exercise, but as a critical opportunity to reset the trajectory of our country,” he said, adding that the focus should be on improving education, supporting entrepreneurs, and ensuring national security.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, Obi maintained that Nigeria could overcome its challenges through sincere dialogue and unity of purpose.
“I remain convinced that through sincere dialogue, unity of purpose, and a firm commitment to doing what is right, Nigeria can and will rise again,” he said.
Pressed by journalists if the former president endorsed him, Obi said the visit was not about securing endorsement but consultations on the state of democracy in Nigeria. He explained that they had earlier visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida, who are fathers of the nation, and that President Jonathan belongs to that category. Obi also stated that there was no better person to consult than President Jonathan who served the country faithfully and did enough to ensure democracy survived in Nigeria.
The ADC chieftain was accompanied by notable South-East leaders including, Senator Victor Umeh; former governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa; Senator Ben Obi; among others.
