The Obidient Movement has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to back Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, instead of positioning himself to run against him in the 2027 election.
This comes after Jonathan and Obi held a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Thursday, sparking fresh speculation about a possible opposition coalition ahead of the next general polls.
Although details of their discussions were not disclosed, Obi posted photos on his X handle describing Jonathan as “a very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader,” noting that their talks focused on the state of the nation.
But the Obidient Movement has now made its stance clear, warning Jonathan against being used to undermine Obi’s ambition.
Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Movement, told Daily Trust that while both men are respected leaders, Obi remains the candidate of choice for millions of Nigerians who want a new political 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.
He recalled that Obi served on Jonathan’s economic management team and backed him while in office, insisting that it was now Jonathan’s turn to reciprocate.
Tanko further accused unnamed politicians of plotting to pit Jonathan against Obi, but vowed that the Movement would resist such attempts.
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“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 told SaharaReporters that Jonathan and Obi have met at least three times since Easter to weigh possible alliances.
The main sticking point, according to insiders, is who should step down for the other as a consensus candidate.
Both leaders acknowledge that they draw support from the same political base in the South and Middle Belt — a factor that could easily hand President Bola Tinubu a second term if they split opposition votes.
While Jonathan is being courted by PDP and ADC figures who argue he has stronger northern appeal, Obi’s camp insists that the energy of the 2023 elections and the Obidient grassroots momentum make him the natural candidate.
