Jonathan and Peter Obi are currently in fresh talks as opposition push for 2027 gains momentum.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that there are fresh indications that former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are edging closer to a working arrangement as conversations on forging a united opposition ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.
Both leaders met behind closed doors on Thursday, a meeting later confirmed by Obi on his X handle. Sources familiar with the development told Daily Trust that the engagement builds on earlier discussions between the two figures about the future of the opposition.
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According to one insider, both men acknowledged that their political bases significantly overlap, and running separately in 2027 could strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s re-election chances. “This is about the third or fourth time they’ve met since Easter, though previous meetings were not made public. The central question remains who should step down for the other in a coalition ticket,” the source said.
The source explained that Obi’s strong performance in 2023, particularly in the South East, South South, and parts of the Middle Belt, overlaps with Jonathan’s traditional stronghold from his 2011 victory. “They realised approaching 2027 independently would be politically suicidal,” the insider added.
Another complication is the platform. While top PDP leaders have been lobbying Jonathan to return as the party’s candidate, he has reportedly expressed deep concerns about the party’s internal divisions and is demanding stronger assurances before making any move.
Meanwhile, voices within Obi’s camp have raised concerns about being sidelined in the emerging coalition. One associate noted, “The Obidient Movement is wary. They fear the coalition may be tilted towards established party interests, leaving out the grassroots structure that powered Obi’s 2023 run.”
As maneuvering continues, Thursday’s meeting underscores the urgency among opposition figures to consolidate ahead of 2027. Yet, with questions over platform, candidate selection, and internal trust still unresolved, the road to a united opposition remains delicate.
