Nigeria must work for everyone, says Obi after talks with Makinde

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, on Tuesday, reiterated his vision of a more united, secure and productive Nigeria after a closed-door meeting with the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan, as opposition consultations continue to gather pace ahead of future political alignments.

Obi spoke with correspondents after spending almost two hours in a private meeting with Governor Makinde at the Oyo State Secretariat, describing the engagement as part of ongoing consultations focused on Nigeria’s future.

He explained that his visit formed part of wider discussions with key stakeholders on national issues and the need for collaboration across political lines.

The PUNCH reports that the visit came barely 72 hours after a high-level Opposition Political Parties National Summit held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, which brought together prominent political actors and stakeholders from across Nigeria.

Obi’s visit also followed his recent engagement with former President Goodluck Jonathan, further signalling a series of high-level discussions linked to broader political realignments.

He said, on Tuesday during his visit to Governor Makinde, that, “We have come to consult and to continue discussions with His Excellency, the Governor, on issues that concern the future of our country. My dear brother, the Governor, and I shared a common belief that Nigeria must work for everyone, and that is the focus of our engagement.“

The ADC chieftain explained that the talks were not merely political manoeuvres but centred on building a stronger nation and fostering meaningful coalition efforts ahead of future elections.

“What we are doing is not about politics for its own sake; it is about Nigeria and how we can build a better nation for all our people. We are looking at a Nigeria that is united, secure and progressive, where every citizen has a fair chance to succeed based on merit and hard work, not connections.

“How do we build a better language? I’m not giving you the beat. Thank you. How can we build a better Nigeria, and Nigeria where we will all be proud to save that country?”

On inclusivity and equal opportunity, Obi stressed that his vision is of a system where success is based on merit rather than personal connections.

“In Nigeria, where a chance of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody.”

Obi stressed the need for economic transformation, particularly a shift from a consumption-driven economy to one focused on production and job creation.

“And I am more united, secure, progressive Nigeria, where we are gonna move the country from consumption to production, and get our people employed in everything.