Former governor of old Anambra State and elder statesman, Senator Jim Nwobodo, has described Peter Obi as the most respected presidential figure in Nigeria, saying the former Labour Party candidate deserves broad support ahead of the 2027 general election.
Nwobodo made the remarks on Monday, January 6, when Obi and his associates paid him a courtesy visit at his country home in Amechi, Anambra State.
Speaking during the visit, the elder statesman praised Obi’s personality, leadership style and public standing, noting that respect remains one of his strongest political assets. He also lamented the continued exclusion of the Igbo from Nigeria’s presidency for more than five decades.
According to Nwobodo, the Igbo have played a key role in the formation and development of Nigeria and deserve a fair opportunity to lead the country.
He recalled the contributions of Nigeria’s first president, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, popularly known as Zik of Africa, and expressed concern that the vision of the nation’s founding fathers had not been fully realised.
Nwobodo described the visit as an expression of cultural values and respect for elders, stressing that Obi’s delegation came to pay homage rather than engage in political negotiations.
Responding, Peter Obi, who recently joined the African Democratic Congress, said the visit was meant to felicitate with Nwobodo on the New Year and seek his prayers as a respected national figure. He clarified that discussions about politics, the ADC and the 2027 election were not part of the meeting.
Obi added that political conversations would take place at a later date, while thanking the elder statesman for receiving the delegation and offering prayers.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, former presidential aide Ben Obi said the visit was agreed upon during an earlier interaction with Nwobodo in December. He explained that the group would return at a later time to brief the elder statesman on the Nike Lake Declaration, which formalised Peter Obi’s entry into the ADC.
Members of the delegation included former Ebonyi State governor Sam Egwu, former Enugu State governor Okwesilieze Nwodo and Senator Gilbert Nnaji, among others.
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