The Obidient Movement has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to step aside for Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential race.
This call followed a private meeting between Obi, the 2023 Labour Party candidate, and Jonathan in Abuja on Thursday.
The closed-door session fueled speculation about a possible opposition alliance ahead of the next election.
After the meeting, Obi posted on his X handle, describing Jonathan as “a very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader”.
He said they had a fruitful discussion on the state of the nation.
However, Obidient leaders insist Jonathan should not contest.
They argue that supporting Obi would serve fairness and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Movement, told Daily Trust that Obi remains the clear choice of millions of Nigerians seeking change.
“They have been friends for a long time. Their meeting was to fraternise and discuss how to rescue Nigeria. But for us, Jonathan has played his part.
He is a respected statesman. This is the time for him to back Obi,” Tanko said.
He reminded Nigerians that Obi served on Jonathan’s economic team and stood by him during his presidency.
Tanko stressed that the former president should now reciprocate by supporting Obi’s 2027 ambition.
Tanko also warned that some politicians were plotting to use Jonathan against Obi.
He insisted that such moves would fail because Nigerians want fairness.
“Many Nigerians believe the next president should come from the South.
For equity, the South East deserves the chance. Peter Obi is the ideal candidate,” he added.
Sources close to both men revealed that Obi and Jonathan have met at least three times since Easter.
Talks have centered on who should step down for the other in a possible coalition.
The challenge remains that both leaders enjoy strong support in the South and Middle Belt.
Analysts warn that if they contest separately, President Bola Tinubu could benefit and secure an easy re-election.
Jonathan is currently being courted by PDP and ADC leaders, who believe he has better northern appeal.
Obi’s supporters, on the other hand, argue that the momentum from 2023 and the strength of the Obidient Movement make him the natural choice for opposition unity.
The battle for who carries the coalition flag in 2027 may define the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
