Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has intensified consultations across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, with recent visits to key northern leaders in Kaduna and Niger states.
Obi began the round of engagements in Zaria, Kaduna State, where he met with Professor Ango Abdullahi, former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University and Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum.
The meeting, according to Obi, focused on the state of the nation, national unity and the responsibility of leadership to rise above ethnic and regional divisions in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
In a post on his verified X handle, Obi said the discussion with Abdullahi was frank and far-reaching, centring on how Nigeria could be rebuilt through inclusive leadership and practical solutions.
He noted that the exchange reinforced the need for leaders to work for the collective good rather than narrow interests.
While in Zaria, Obi also interacted briefly with a group of graduating pilots at the airport.
He said he encouraged them to remain disciplined, professional and committed to excellence, stressing that Nigeria needs skilled and ethical young professionals to drive development.
From Kaduna, Obi proceeded to Minna, Niger State, where he met with former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida.
He disclosed that the visit followed up on an earlier conversation about the book Growing Apart, which examines the divergent development paths of Nigeria and Indonesia, despite similar starting points.
Obi said he presented Babangida with an autographed copy of the book, as earlier requested, and that their discussion covered issues of national unity, security and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
He described the engagement as part of his broader effort to consult widely and learn from diverse perspectives on how to move the country forward.
According to him, the series of meetings has strengthened his belief that Nigeria’s challenges can only be addressed through honest dialogue and collective responsibility across regions and generations.
“These engagements have reinforced my conviction that meaningful progress requires sincere conversations and shared commitment to our common future,” Obi said, adding that he remains committed to contributing to the realisation of a better Nigeria.
