Leaders of the Southern bloc of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as part of ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening the party and contributing to national development.
The delegation, made up of prominent Southern stakeholders of the NNPP, held a closed-door meeting with the elder statesman where discussions centred on the future of the party, Nigeria’s political stability, and the role of credible opposition in a democratic society.
Speaking after the meeting, one of the NNPP leaders said the visit was to seek the wisdom, guidance, and blessings of the former president, whom they described as a unifying voice and symbol of statesmanship.
“We came to consult Baba, to benefit from his wealth of experience and seek his prayers as we continue to build and strengthen the NNPP in the South and across Nigeria,” the party chieftain stated.
In his remarks, Chief Obasanjo welcomed the delegation warmly but reaffirmed his non-partisan stance, saying his commitment is solely to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
“I am no longer involved in partisan politics. I don’t belong to any political party. Nigeria is my party, and everything I do is in the interest of Nigeria,” Obasanjo declared.
He advised the NNPP leaders to focus on building an inclusive party structure that can promote national cohesion and provide credible alternatives to Nigerians, especially as the country navigates difficult economic and security challenges.
The visit is part of a broader engagement by the NNPP to reposition itself ahead of future elections and to attract key figures and voices of influence in shaping national discourse. It also comes amid discussions around possible political realignments and coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party sources hinted that similar visits to other prominent national figures across the country are in the pipeline, as the NNPP seeks to deepen its grassroots appeal and national relevance.