The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has refuted claims of entering into any political alliance with former President Goodluck Jonathan to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

This clarification comes amid mounting speculation following a closed-door meeting between Obi and Jonathan in Abuja, which fueled rumours of a possible opposition coalition ahead of 2027.

The meeting, which drew significant attention online, sparked debates among supporters of both leaders, with some suggesting that one should step aside for the other to strengthen opposition unity.

However, in a statement issued through his media aide and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, Obi made it clear that no such pact or political discussion took place.

Tanko said:

“My principal and the former president have a very good working relationship and mutual respect. Seeing them together should not be over-interpreted. It was simply a friendly discussion about the state of the nation and ways to move the country forward.”

He further clarified that there was no conversation or agreement concerning the 2027 elections, adding that their previous meeting in Ghana also had no political undertones.

“Even when they met in Ghana, I was present. There was nothing political or related to 2027 discussed. People are reading unnecessary meanings into a cordial relationship between two respected statesmen,” Tanko stated.

The clarification puts to rest the growing rumours of an emerging political realignment between Obi and Jonathan ahead of the next presidential race.