Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed willingness to collaborate with Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, made the declaration on Thursday during a courtesy visit by Obi to Bauchi.
Although the governor did not explicitly suggest a formal alliance between their parties, their discussions reportedly centered on governance, economic issues, and areas of mutual interest.
Obi arrived at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport in Bauchi at around 10:00 a.m., where he was received by Deputy Governor Mohammed Auwal Jatau. He was accompanied by former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, among others, before proceeding to the Government House for a closed-door meeting with Governor Mohammed.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mohammed described Obi as a “foremost statesman” with deep economic expertise, political vision, and a strong commitment to good governance. He emphasized the need for unity among opposition parties to address Nigeria’s challenges.
“We in the PDP, as the chairman of my colleagues, the governors, have always admired him. We have always shown interest because behind the scenes, I have been meeting him,” Mohammed said.
“This is not the first time. In fact, I was going to meet him in Abuja, but out of his humility, he decided to come here.”
The governor acknowledged Obi’s role as a key figure in Nigeria’s opposition, stating that collaboration could help bridge political divides, strengthen governance, and address poverty and ignorance.
“As for me, I am ready to work with Peter Obi to ensure we close ranks, bring good governance to the country, and give a vibrant opposition with knowledge, vision, and sincerity,” he added.
Obi, in his remarks, described his visit as part of wider consultations aimed at addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. He stressed the importance of cooperation across party lines to drive national development.
“We must invest in critical areas to pull people out of poverty and reduce criminality. The North is a critical component if we are going to get it right in this country,” Obi stated.
He also criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as a focus on trivial issues rather than addressing urgent concerns such as hunger, poverty, education, and healthcare.
“It is time to preoccupy ourselves with discussions that affect the people. That is why I am here,” Obi said.
