GEJ and Obi Weigh Presidential Options, as Obidients Beg the Ex-President to Chill

There are persistent reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s youth-favourite, candidate Peter Obi, have been in talks, and may be closing in on an agreement for 2027.

The two leaders met behind closed doors on Thursday. Obi later posted photos on his X handle, calling Jonathan “a very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader.”

He added that their talks focused on the state of the nation, though details were not made public.

Several sources indicate the meeting was a continuation of earlier conversations between the two men. One source said, “This is the third or fourth time they’ve met since around Easter.”

He explained that the question has been who should step down for the other in a possible coalition. “The crux has been who should step down for the other as the coalition’s presidential candidate,” the source said.

Both leaders share the same political base in the South East, South South, and Middle Belt. Running separately could hand President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) a decisive path to victory in 2027.

Other sources say PDP leaders are wooing Jonathan, but he is reluctant due to the deep internal crisis in the party. “He is waiting for assurances,” one source said.

Obi’s camp, on the other hand, worries about being sidelined in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led coalition, where political heavyweights with campaign war chest abound.

Another commentator suggested “The ADC has not been able to fully convince the Obidient Movement that the party was not structured to deliver an Atiku presidency.”

Obidient Movement’s Plea

Taking matters into their own hands, Obi’s supporters, the amorphous Obidient Movement, has launched a campaign of appeal to Mr Jonathan not to run but to back Obi. Obi stood by Jonathan in the epic 2015 election and was his campaign director for the South East.

The Obidients say their request was made in the interest of fairness and national progress. Dr Yunusa Tanko, the group’s national coordinator, explained, “They have been friends for a long time. The meeting was for them to fraternise and discuss how to rescue Nigeria.”

Tanko added, “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.”