The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, on Wednesday held a meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a development that has intensified public interest in the former president’s political engagements ahead of the 2027 general election.
Images from the meeting were shared on the social media platform X by Obi’s campaign photographer, Esther Umoh, who confirmed that the two leaders met earlier in the day.
In a brief statement accompanying the photographs, Umoh wrote: “Earlier today, the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, met with former president Olusegun Obasanjo.”
The photographs showed Obi dressed in a blue traditional outfit, while Obasanjo appeared in a white native attire complemented by a blue patterned cap. The two leaders were seen walking together in some of the pictures, suggesting a cordial atmosphere during the visit.
A Catholic bishop was also visible in parts of the meeting, appearing alongside Obi and Obasanjo in both outdoor and indoor photographs.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Obi nor Obasanjo had issued a statement disclosing the purpose of the meeting or the issues discussed.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened political activity and consultations among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election. It also follows renewed debate over Obasanjo’s political alignment and the extent of his involvement in efforts to build an opposition coalition.
In recent days, controversy emerged after a group known as the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum alleged that the former president was secretly supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid while publicly associating with opposition politicians.
The group claimed that Obasanjo was playing a double role in the evolving political landscape ahead of the next general election.
However, Obasanjo’s former Political Adviser, Akin Osuntokun, dismissed the allegation and insisted that the former president was actively supporting the opposition alliance.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, Osuntokun stated that Obasanjo had been instrumental in promoting a presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
According to him, the former president played a significant role in encouraging the alliance and remained one of its principal backers.
“If you can say that Obasanjo is supporting any ticket, it is the Peter Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. As a matter of fact, he is the principal sponsor of that ticket,” Osuntokun said during the interview.
His remarks have further fuelled speculation about Obasanjo’s influence in ongoing opposition negotiations and consultations.
Obasanjo has historically remained an influential figure in Nigerian politics even after leaving office in 2007. Over the years, he has frequently commented on national issues, endorsed candidates at different times and participated in political consultations involving major actors across party lines.
The latest meeting with Obi is therefore being closely watched by political observers seeking clues about possible alignments ahead of 2027.
Analysts say the visit could be interpreted as part of broader consultations among opposition leaders, although no official confirmation has been provided.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election and remains a prominent opposition figure, has continued engagements with political leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures and stakeholders across the country as discussions about the 2027 election gather momentum.
The former Anambra State governor has repeatedly stated that his focus remains on national development, economic reform and building a broad coalition for change.
For now, the absence of an official statement from either Obi or Obasanjo means the purpose of Wednesday’s meeting remains open to interpretation.
Nevertheless, the encounter is expected to sustain political debate over Obasanjo’s role in the emerging opposition configuration and whether he is actively supporting efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 presidential election.
With political consultations intensifying across party lines, the Obi-Obasanjo meeting is likely to remain a subject of public and media attention in the coming days as stakeholders await further clarification from the two leaders.
