In a significant political engagement, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, held a closed-door meeting with former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd). The meeting took place in Minna, the capital of Niger State, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
Obi's Visit and the Gift of a Book
The former Governor of Anambra State personally confirmed the visit through a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, December 18. He shared photographs from the encounter, describing it as part of his ongoing consultations for the national interest.
A notable highlight of the visit was Obi's presentation of an autographed copy of the book Growing Apart to General Babangida. Obi explained that during a previous meeting months earlier, Babangida had expressed interest in the book, which analyses the divergent development paths of Indonesia and Nigeria—two nations that started with similar economic trajectories.
Obi stated that he procured the autographed copy directly from the author during a trip to the United States specifically to fulfill Babangida's request. The act underscored the depth of their ongoing dialogue.
Three Central Themes of the Discussion
According to Obi's detailed message, the crux of their conversation revolved around three critical national issues. He emphasized that their discussion was substantive and forward-looking.
The first major topic was the unity of Nigeria. In a nation often grappling with ethnic and religious tensions, fostering and preserving national cohesion remains a paramount concern for political leaders.
The second focal point was the security situation across the country. With challenges ranging from terrorism and banditry to kidnapping, security is a top priority for any meaningful national development plan.
The third and final key area was improving the lives and welfare of Nigerian citizens. This encompasses economic policies, poverty alleviation, and creating opportunities for the populace.
Implications for the Political Landscape
This meeting is seen by many political observers as a strategic move within Nigeria's complex political ecosystem. Engaging with a former military leader and influential political figure like Babangida is often interpreted as part of broader consultation and alliance-building efforts, especially with the 2027 presidential elections on the horizon.
Obi framed the engagement as reinforcing his belief that "meaningful progress requires honest dialogue and collective responsibility" for Nigeria's future. The visit comes amidst a flurry of political activities and speculations concerning potential alliances and opposition strategies.
However, the meeting's context also includes recent controversial predictions from some quarters. Notably, Primate Elijah Ayodele of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church had previously claimed that Obi's chances of winning the 2027 presidential election were very slim, predicting a decline in his support base. Obi's continued consultations and high-level meetings appear to be a direct counter to such narratives, showcasing active political involvement.
As Nigeria navigates its current socio-economic challenges, interactions like the one between Obi and Babangida highlight the continuous search for solutions and consensus among the nation's political class, both past and present.
