The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, held a meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday, July 29, amid ongoing controversy over Obasanjo's political loyalties. Photographs from the encounter, shared by Obi's campaign photographer Esther Umoh on X, show Obi in a blue traditional outfit walking alongside Obasanjo, who wore white native attire and a blue patterned cap. A Catholic bishop was also present in several images taken both indoors and outdoors. Neither party released a statement detailing the discussions as of the time of this report.
Obasanjo's Political Positioning Under Scrutiny
The meeting comes as Obasanjo's allegiances face renewed public examination. The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum recently alleged that the former president is quietly working to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid, despite publicly backing opposition figures. This claim was firmly rejected by Obasanjo's former Political Adviser, Akin Osuntokun. Speaking on ARISE Television, Osuntokun stated that Obasanjo played a central role in assembling the opposition alliance ticket, pairing Obi with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential candidate. Osuntokun insisted that Obasanjo remains a principal backer of the opposition ahead of the 2027 polls.
Obi's Political Transition and 2027 Race
Obi resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on May 2, 2026, and was ratified as the NDC's presidential candidate on May 29, 2026. He moved to the NDC alongside Kwankwaso, who now serves as the vice presidential candidate. Both Obi and Kwankwaso contested in the 2023 general election under the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) respectively, finishing third and fourth behind President Tinubu. The July 29 meeting is likely to fuel speculation about Obasanjo's role in opposition consultations, given the absence of an official explanation.
According to the source, Umoh's post on X read: "Earlier today, the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, met with former president Olusegun Obasanjo." The meeting underscores the fluid dynamics of Nigeria's political landscape as the 2027 election approaches.
