Politics

Peter Obi’s Meeting With Jonathan Not About Politics — Aide

BySodiq Lawal

PublishedSeptember 13, 2025

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, has dismissed speculations that the recent meeting between the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former President Goodluck Jonathan was politically motivated.

Barely 48 hours after Obi held a closed-door parley with Jonathan in Abuja, Tanko clarified that the discussion was centred on national issues and not on political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The relationship between Obi and Jonathan has been going on for a very long time. So it has nothing to do with the continuous engagement that they have. It’s about the country,” Tanko told Saturday PUNCH in an interview.

Obi had described the meeting as “fruitful” and focused on “the state of our dear nation.” However, the timing of the visit, coming amid growing criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and worsening economic hardship, fuelled speculations about possible opposition manoeuvres.

Tanko, however, insisted there was no political undertone.

“Both Jonathan and Obi have been meeting without even the notice of the public. People only started showing interest when talks about Jonathan returning to contest started going viral. They have a very good working relationship. So, it’s not as if he’s all out seeking his support. Don’t forget Jonathan is a statesman. Obi is also gradually becoming one. The country is currently on the brink. What we should be concerned about is how to rescue it,” he explained.

Since losing the 2023 presidential race, Obi has continued to engage political heavyweights across the country, a move widely interpreted as part of subtle positioning ahead of 2027. Meanwhile, Jonathan has since 2015 embraced the role of elder statesman, mediating political conflicts and promoting democracy across Africa.

Sodiq Lawal

Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.