2027: Obi Meets Jonathan as Gbenga Hashim Warns Against One-Party State
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has shared details of his recent meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying the discussion focused on the future of Nigeria and the need for credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, was attended by several prominent South-East leaders, including former Enugu State governor, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo; former Imo State governor, Achike Udenwa; former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Onyema Ugochukwu; and Senator Victor Umeh.
Obi, who has already indicated interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the visit was part of consultations with elder statesmen as preparations for the next election begin.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Obi said Jonathan stressed the importance of free, fair, and credible elections, while also making it clear that he does not support a one-party system.
According to Obi, Jonathan remains one of the strongest democratic voices in the country and served Nigeria faithfully with a strong commitment to democratic values.
On whether the visit was for endorsement, Obi clarified that the purpose was consultation, not political endorsement.
“We are not talking about endorsement yet. When I become a candidate, I will come back for endorsement. He wishes the country well. We are here to consult with him,” Obi said.
He added that Jonathan is now seen in the same category as elder statesmen like former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, whose wisdom remains valuable in guiding the nation.
Meanwhile, political figure Gbenga Hashim has also raised concerns over what he described as the gradual drift of Nigeria’s democracy toward a one-party state under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Hashim made the remarks during a visit to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, where he discussed the state of the nation and the role of workers in protecting democratic governance.
He stated that Nigeria’s democratic progress cannot be separated from the sacrifices and contributions of the working class, noting that organised labour has always played a key role in major political and social transformations.
Hashim warned that democracy would lose its true value if the welfare of citizens, especially workers, continues to be neglected.
He urged political leaders to focus governance on policies that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
COMMENTS