Former President Goodluck Jonathan held a closed-door meeting with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and South-East leaders at his Abuja residence on Monday, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meeting Focused on 2027 Elections
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Obi confirmed that the delegation consulted with Jonathan regarding the upcoming elections. He emphasized that Jonathan expressed support for free, fair, and credible elections and opposed a one-party system.
Obi stated: "Jonathan wished that we had a free, fair, credible election, that he cannot support a one-party system, and that nobody can claim to be more of a democrat in this country without putting him as number one."
He added that Jonathan served the country faithfully and remains a democrat. When asked about an endorsement, Obi clarified: "We're not talking about an endorsement yet. When I become a candidate, I'll come back for endorsement. He wishes the country well. We are here to consult with him."
South-East Delegation
The South-East leaders present included former Enugu State Governor Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, former NDDC Managing Director Onyema Ugochukwu, and Senator Victor Umeh.
Obi has already indicated his interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform.
Hashim Urges Labour to Protect Democracy
Meanwhile, former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim called on the Nigerian Labour movement to play a proactive role in safeguarding the country's democracy from what he described as a gradual slide towards authoritarianism under President Bola Tinubu.
Hashim made the call during a visit to NLC President Joe Ajero, where they discussed the state of the nation and the role of workers in sustaining democratic governance.
He condemned the gradual shift towards a one-party state, noting that Nigeria's progress is tied to the sacrifices of the working class. Hashim warned that "democracy risks losing its value if the welfare of citizens, particularly workers, is neglected," urging leaders to focus on policies that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
