•Peter Obi and Gov Bala Mohammed
Details have emerged from the meeting between Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, where both leaders emphasised national unity and ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gov Bala, who hosted Obi— a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—alongside South-East stakeholders in Bauchi, said the engagement was not driven by partisan interests but focused on collaboration among opposition figures, reports Nigerian Tribune.
The governor described himself as a “freelance politician,” noting that both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ADC were navigating uncertain political terrain.
“Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and his party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary,” he said.
He added that while the discussions formed part of broader consultations among opposition leaders, key details would remain undisclosed.
“Certainly, we are all in the opposition. We will not disclose everything we have discussed in terms of the ‘I’s and ‘t’s we have crossed,” Mohammed stated.
According to him, ongoing engagements could lead to the emergence of a unified political platform capable of strengthening electoral chances in future contests.
“We cannot operate without a platform. At the end of the day, the current political situation may even help unify us and strengthen our chances of winning elections,” he added.
Describing Obi’s visit as symbolic, Mohammed said it reflected deliberate efforts to build bridges across regional and political divides.
Earlier, Obi said his visit was aimed at fostering unity and strengthening collaboration across the country, particularly with stakeholders in Bauchi State.
“My purpose is to solicit support and cooperation among stakeholders in our quest to unite this country,” Obi said, dismissing speculation about political defections.
“We are not inviting each other into political parties; we are inviting ourselves to build a better Nigeria,” he added.
The meeting was attended by former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, as well as Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Victor Umeh, among other South-East stakeholders.
The development comes amid a series of political consultations by Mohammed, including engagements with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
