Fresh details have emerged regarding the closed-door meeting between former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.

The clarification was provided by Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, during an interview with The PUNCH.

Jonathan and Obi met privately on Monday in a development widely viewed as part of Obi’s expanding political consultations across the country. Photos and videos from the meeting later surfaced online after they were shared by ADC Vanguard, the mobilisation wing of the African Democratic Congress coalition.

According to Tanko, the visit formed part of broader engagements with national leaders aimed at securing support for Obi’s presidential ambition, which he said reflects the preference of many young Nigerians.

He explained that the consultations are also intended to promote national unity and address concerns about inclusion, particularly regarding leadership from the South-East since the end of the Civil War.

Tanko further stated that Jonathan’s support was considered important because Obi played a significant role during the former president’s administration. He expressed confidence that Jonathan’s backing could strengthen Obi’s political prospects.

He noted that similar consultations had already been held with northern leaders, including Prof. Ango Abdullahi, as part of efforts to build broad national support.

“It is important to consult respected national leaders across the country. We believe such engagements are necessary in building consensus and unity,” Tanko said.

When asked whether the meeting was connected to ongoing discussions about a possible opposition consensus candidate, Tanko responded affirmatively, stressing that consultations in politics are continuous.

Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, also confirmed that the meeting was part of ongoing consultations with former national leaders. He quoted Obi as saying that Jonathan’s experience and democratic credentials made his counsel valuable at a time the country faces significant challenges.

Umar added that Obi had similarly met with former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida as part of his nationwide political outreach.

Speaking after the meeting, Obi said Jonathan wished the country well and stressed the importance of free, fair, and credible elections. He also stated that the former president did not endorse his possible 2027 presidential ambition.

“We are not talking about endorsement yet. We came to consult with him, and he wishes the country well,” Obi said.

ADC Vanguard, in its post announcing the meeting, described it as a “high-level discussion” focused on the possibility of opposition parties presenting a single presidential candidate ahead of the next election cycle.

Obi was accompanied to the meeting by Igbo elders, ADC senators from the South-East, and other political associates.

The development comes amid growing speculation about possible alliances within the opposition, including talks involving former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. It also follows a recent opposition summit in Ibadan attended by prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Kwankwaso, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

At the end of the Ibadan meeting, opposition leaders resolved to work towards forming a united front and exploring the possibility of presenting a consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.