Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said ongoing opposition engagements across the country are focused on nation-building rather than mere political calculations.
Obi made the remarks on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with Seyi Makinde at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan, as consultations intensify ahead of future political alignments.
The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, is part of a broader series of discussions among key political stakeholders exploring collaboration and coalition-building efforts within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Obi said the engagement was centered on Nigeria’s future, stressing that both leaders share a common vision of a more inclusive and functional nation.
“We have come to consult and continue discussions on issues that concern the future of our country,” Obi said. “The governor and I believe Nigeria must work for everyone, and that is the focus of our engagement.”
He emphasised that the talks go beyond politics, noting that the aim is to build a united, secure, and productive Nigeria where citizens can thrive based on merit rather than connections.
“What we are doing is not about politics for its own sake,” he stated. “It is about how we can build a better nation for all our people.”
Obi also highlighted the need for a shift in Nigeria’s economic model, advocating a move from consumption to production as a pathway to job creation and sustainable growth.
“We want a Nigeria where people are employed, where productivity drives development, and where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed,” he added.
The visit comes shortly after a high-level opposition summit held in Ibadan, which brought together several prominent political figures. It also follows Obi’s recent consultation with Goodluck Jonathan, further signalling ongoing efforts to build a broad-based political coalition.
Observers say the increasing frequency of such high-level meetings underscores growing momentum within opposition circles as preparations gradually build toward the next electoral cycle.
