Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has announced his willingness to partner with Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to bolster opposition politics in Nigeria. Mohammed made this statement on Thursday following a private meeting with Obi at the Government House in Bauchi. He praised Obi’s political approach and his vision for the nation, describing him as a respected figure in Nigerian politics. “We hold him in high regard due to his unique style of politics, his statesmanship, his versatility, and his profound understanding of governance and the economy,” Mohammed said.
He further highlighted Obi’s clarity of purpose in advocating for good governance, national unity, and the welfare of citizens. “Peter Obi has a distinct vision of how politics and politicians should contribute to improving governance, impacting lives, and uniting the country. His expertise and command of data make every conversation with him enlightening,” the governor added. Mohammed revealed that this was not their first meeting, as they had previously engaged in discussions in Abuja. He noted that their latest conversation touched on various national concerns, including the political situation in Rivers State and the state of opposition politics in Nigeria. “I commend his efforts as a leader of the opposition. Whether we agree or not, he has become a prominent figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics,” Mohammed stated.
The governor emphasized his dedication to collaborating with Obi to unify opposition forces and present a formidable challenge to the ruling party. “I am fully prepared to work with Peter Obi. It is essential for us to unite, offer a robust opposition with clear vision and strategy, and steer the country away from mediocre leadership,” he declared. Mohammed also expressed confidence that his fellow governors would support such an alliance, stating, “This collaboration sends a powerful message, and it will resonate across the nation.” Earlier, Obi explained that his visit to Mohammed was part of a broader consultation process aimed at addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges. “Nigerians may question the purpose of my visit, but I am here to engage with Governor Mohammed as a key stakeholder in Nigerian politics,” Obi said. He stressed the importance of involving northern leaders in discussions about the nation’s future, given the region’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s development.
“The current state of the nation demands that I engage with influential leaders, particularly from the North, to chart a way forward,” Obi noted. He also linked poverty to the rising insecurity in the country, especially in the northern region. “When people discuss criminality in Nigeria, particularly in the North, I always point out that poverty is the root cause. Until we tackle poverty, we cannot effectively address crime,” Obi asserted. He called for increased investment in education and agriculture to alleviate poverty and reduce crime rates. “Unfortunately, our political discourse is dominated by issues like budget padding and scandals, while millions of Nigerians suffer from hunger. We need to prioritize discussions on poverty, education, healthcare, and hunger,” he added. Obi concluded by stating that his dialogue with Mohammed was just the beginning and
expressed his intention to continue engaging with stakeholders to shape Nigeria’s future.
