Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has visited the Olubadan-designate, Rashidi Ladoja, as part of consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, who was accompanied by key Labour Party figures including Yunusa Tanko, spokesman of the LP Presidential Campaign Council; Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate; and Segun Adebanjo, also paid a courtesy call on former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Ogun State.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting with Ladoja, Obi described the visit as a show of respect and homage to the incoming Olubadan due to Ibadan’s significance in Nigeria’s political, social, and economic life.
“The visit is about Nigeria, selfless leadership, leadership that is committed to turning society around,” Obi said.
“Ibadan is very strategic and central to the development of Nigeria. As a former governor, senator, and business tycoon, Senator Ladoja has all it takes to succeed, and I will support him as Olubadan for the sake of one Nigeria.”
Obi also highlighted the historical role of Ibadan in education and national unity, citing the University of Ibadan as an institution that has trained people from across the country.
In his response, the Olubadan-designate expressed gratitude for Obi’s visit, stressing that his aspiration to the throne was an extension of his service to humanity.
“That I am alive today is a further confirmation of the grace of God upon my life,” Ladoja said.
“It is God who enthrones Olubadan, not because you have money or influential people around you. That is why I will keep on offering thanks to him.
Earlier, Obi disclosed his visits in a post on his official X handle, noting that he discussed the state of the nation with both Obasanjo and Ladoja.
“In both visits, we were fortunate to discuss the state of our nation and how all of us can live in unity, love, fairness, and justice progressively together,” Obi wrote.
“The meetings make me believe that coming together of a competent team with capacity, compassion, and commitment to build a new Nigeria is possible.”
The visits come amid growing speculations about Obi’s political moves as the 2027 elections draw closer, with analysts noting that his consultations could be part of wider efforts to strengthen alliances across Nigeria.
