Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, has clarified that he has not received an endorsement from former President Goodluck Jonathan for his 2027 presidential ambitions.
In a recent interview, Obi explained that his recent meeting with Jonathan was part of ongoing political consultations and did not amount to an official endorsement at this stage.
According to The Punch, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Obi’s former campaign spokesman, shed light on the private meeting, stating it was part of Obi’s broader strategy to engage national leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The visit was aimed at appealing to national leaders for support of Obi’s candidacy,” Tanko said, emphasizing the enthusiasm of Nigerian youths for Obi and the desire to strengthen leadership representation from the southeast. He also noted that discussions included the need for greater representation for the Southeast in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Tanko highlighted Obi’s significant involvement during Jonathan’s administration and expressed hope that Jonathan would eventually support Obi’s presidential bid.
Obi’s media spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, echoed these comments, noting that it was essential to consult leaders like Jonathan, who have served Nigeria faithfully.
Obi reiterated that the meeting was solely a consultation and not an endorsement, saying, “We are not talking about an endorsement yet. When I become a candidate, I’ll come back for that.”
Obi also shared that Jonathan wished the country well and underscored the importance of credible, free, and fair elections, stressing his opposition to a one-party system.
This meeting is part of Obi’s wider political outreach, which has included consultations with other former presidents, such as Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, as his team works to build broad support across Nigeria ahead of 2027.
The consultation follows a recent gathering of opposition leaders in Ibadan, Oyo State, where strategies were discussed to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
There is also increasing speculation about a possible alliance between Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, both influential figures within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
