Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has declared Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, as Nigeria’s leading opposition figure. He also hinted at a possible alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mohammed made the statement on Thursday following a private meeting with Obi in Bauchi, where he emphasized the need for a strong opposition to challenge what he described as “mediocres parading themselves as leaders.”
“Obi is Nigeria’s Opposition Leader”
“Whether we like it or not, Peter Obi is now the leader of the opposition in Nigeria because of his position and pedigree. I am ready to work with him to ensure good governance,” Mohammed said.
He stressed the importance of unity among opposition figures, stating, “We will close ranks and provide a vibrant opposition with knowledge, vision, and strategy. Our goal is to rescue and recover Nigeria.”
When asked if the collaboration meant Obi’s return to the PDP, Mohammed dismissed the question as mere semantics.
“Coming together is not about party, region, or religion. It’s about service to the people. We are statesmen, Nigerians, and politicians who believe in one thing, serving the people,” he added.
Mohammed further criticized efforts to undermine democracy, saying, “We will counter those who think they can scuttle democracy through coercion or judicial interference. This is about building a better Nigeria.”
Obi: Our Focus is on Poverty, Education, and Development
Obi described his meeting with Mohammed as part of broader consultations on Nigeria’s future, emphasizing the need to tackle poverty, improve education, and drive national development.
“The North is a critical part of Nigeria’s progress. Poverty is a major challenge, and until we address it, we cannot reduce criminality,” Obi said.
He also highlighted the potential of agriculture to transform the economy. “Nigeria can generate more revenue from agriculture than from oil. I’ve seen vast uncultivated lands across the country. We need to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to lift people out of poverty.”
Obi criticized Nigeria’s current political discourse, stating, “Politics has become entertainment. Every day, we hear about budget padding or scandals, but we’re not discussing hunger, poverty, or education. These are the real issues.”
On the nature of his alliance with Mohammed, Obi said, “You don’t build a partnership in one day. This is about creating a better Nigeria for our children.”
APC Responds: “Nigeria is Already on the Path to Prosperity”
In reaction, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the opposition leaders’ claims, insisting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is already addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
APC National Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, rejected the notion of mediocrity within the government.
“They didn’t mention names, so we can’t assume they were referring to us. They may be talking about disunity in their own ranks,” Ibrahim said.
He pointed to the APC’s recent National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings as evidence of the party’s stability, adding, “The NEC passed a vote of confidence in the party’s leadership and the president. Nigeria is on the path to prosperity.”
With speculation mounting about a potential Obi-Mohammed alliance ahead of 2027, their meeting signals a possible realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics, with governance taking precedence over party affiliations.
