The Obidient Movement has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to maintain his respected statesman role and support Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential bid, rather than consider a return to the nation’s top office.
This appeal comes in the wake of a private meeting between Jonathan and Obi in Abuja, which the former Anambra State Governor shared publicly on social media.
Describing Jonathan as “a dear elder brother and statesman,” Obi said their conversation focused on the state of the nation.
While the meeting fueled speculation about future political alignments, the Obidient Movement — made up of Obi’s loyal supporters — has urged Jonathan to back Obi as the credible face of the opposition going into the 2027 elections.
“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,” said Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the group’s National Coordinator.
Tanko also alleged that some political forces were plotting to use Jonathan to weaken Obi’s influence in the emerging opposition coalition, a strategy he insisted would 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,” he added.
Sources close to both leaders confirmed that the Abuja meeting was not an isolated one, but part of ongoing private consultations that began around Easter.
Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential race, is widely anticipated to contest again in 2027. Though he has recently expressed support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), he has not formally exited the Labour Party or declared allegiance to a new political platform.
Meanwhile, there have been renewed calls in some quarters for Jonathan, who lost re-election in 2015, to consider a return to the presidency. The Obidient Movement, however, believes his legacy would be best preserved by endorsing the next generation of leadership.
