By Oluwasore Alabi
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, held a closed-door meeting where they discussed the state of the nation and the need to “rescue Nigeria.” The meeting, confirmed by Obi and his team, is part of wider consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The significance of this meeting cannot be overlooked. Obasanjo, a two-time leader of Nigeria, has often played the role of political kingmaker, while Obi has continued to command attention since the last presidential election. That they are meeting behind closed doors sends a clear signal: discussions about Nigeria’s leadership in 2027 are already in motion.
Obi’s camp has described the meeting as one of “like minds,” stressing the shared concern over the country’s direction. Yet, while supporters see it as a step toward national rescue, critics may argue that such alliances are more about power than genuine reform. Nigeria has seen many political promises made in private rooms, only for ordinary citizens to later face disappointment.
The timing is also crucial. With economic hardship, insecurity, and a weakened currency dominating national discourse, Nigerians are looking for answers. Conversations between political elites like Obasanjo and Obi must go beyond symbolism. What matters most is whether these talks will produce real strategies that address poverty, unemployment, and corruption.
It is also worth noting that Obi has not officially declared his ambition for 2027. His spokesperson carefully avoided making any commitment, saying such announcements would come “at the right time.” This suggests the meeting is more about building networks and setting the stage than making public declarations.
In the end, Nigerians will judge not by the number of high-profile meetings but by actions that improve their daily lives. Obasanjo and Obi may indeed share concerns about the nation’s direction, but citizens are waiting for more than discussions they are waiting for leadership that delivers.
