The Obidient Movement has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to support Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, rather than contest against him in the race for the 2027 presidency.
The call followed a closed-door meeting between Obi and Jonathan in Abuja on Thursday, which has fueled speculations of a possible opposition coalition ahead of 2027.
Although details of the discussions were not disclosed, Obi described Jonathan as “a very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader” in a post on his X handle, noting that their talks focused on the state of the nation.
But the Obidient Movement insists that Jonathan should step aside in the spirit of fairness and national progress.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the group’s National Coordinator, told Daily Trust* that while both men are respected figures, Obi remains the preferred choice of millions of Nigerians yearning for a new direction.
“They have been friends for a long time. The meeting was for them to fraternise and discuss how to rescue Nigeria.
“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,” Tanko said.
Tanko recalled that Obi served on Jonathan’s economic management team during his presidency and stood firmly by him. He argued that the former president should now return the favour by backing Obi’s 2027 ambition.
He further alleged that some politicians were plotting to pit Jonathan against Obi but stressed that the Obidient Movement would resist such moves.
“We are aware of such moves, but we strongly believe they will not succeed.
“Many Nigerians believe the next president should come from the South, and for fairness, the South East should get the chance. Peter Obi is the ideal candidate,” he added.
Sources close to both camps revealed that Obi and Jonathan have met at least three times since Easter to discuss potential alignments. The sticking point remains which of the two should step down for the other as the coalition’s flagbearer.
Both acknowledge that they share a common political base in the South and Middle Belt—raising concerns that separate candidacies could hand President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an easy re-election.
While Jonathan is being courted by PDP and ADC leaders who argue he has stronger northern appeal, Obi’s camp insists that the momentum of 2023 and the strength of the Obidient Movement make him the natural choice.
