My talks with Jonathan anchored on repositioning Nigeria – Obi

Peter Obi has said closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday was frank and thoughtful.

He said the discussions were anchored on the urgent need to reposition Nigeria on the path of unity, security, stability, productivity, and inclusive governance.

The former Anambra governor, who led a delegation of notable South-East leaders to Jonathan’s residence, said the consultation was part of his ongoing engagements with Nigerian leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Our discussions were frank, thoughtful, and anchored on the urgent need to reposition Nigeria on the path of unity, security, stability, productivity, and inclusive governance.

“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,” Obi said in a post on X.

He argued that the leadership Nigeria needed must be driven not by personal ambition, but by competence, character, capacity, and compassion.

“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,” he said.

Obi added that Nigeria must transition from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven one where its vast human and natural resources are harnessed for the common good.

He framed the 2027 elections as a critical opportunity to reset the country’s direction.

“The 2027 elections must not just be seen as another political exercise, but as a critical opportunity to reset the trajectory of our country.

“It must be about the Nigerian child who deserves quality education, the struggling entrepreneur who needs a conducive environment to thrive, and the millions of citizens who simply desire a secure and functional nation,” Obi said.

He was accompanied by Igbo elders, ADC senators from the South-East zone, and other political associates.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that the ADC Vanguard, the mobilisation wing of the African Democratic Congress coalition, which posted videos and photographs of the meeting on X, described the discussions as high-level and focused on the possibility of opposition parties presenting a single presidential candidate for 2027.

The meeting came days after opposition parties, including a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party and the ADC, held a national summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.

The gathering, hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, brought together key figures including Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi.

The Ibadan Declaration issued at the close of the summit resolved to forge a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress and present a single consensus presidential candidate in 2027.

Obi expressed confidence that Nigeria could turn around through dialogue and collective will.

“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.