Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Signals Willingness to Collaborate with Peter Obi for Good Governance

Bala Mohammed, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and governor of Bauchi State, has expressed his readiness to work alongside Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

Speaking during a consultation visit at the state’s presidential lodge on Thursday, Mohammed emphasized that a partnership with Obi could help drive good governance and strengthen the opposition in Nigeria.

“We discussed state-by-state challenges, and I feel highly appreciative of what he is doing as the leader of the opposition—because whether we like it or not, he is the leader of the opposition now in Nigeria,” Mohammed said, as quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Governor Mohammed underscored the importance of bridging political divides to address national concerns, particularly poverty and insecurity. He reassured that his engagement with Obi is not merely symbolic but a step towards a unified effort to revitalize governance.

“I want to say at this level, not to make some of those doubting Thomases and mischievous minds pre-empt what we are doing, that I’m ready to work with Peter Obi,” Mohammed stated.

He further stressed that collaboration across party lines is necessary to “close ranks, bring good governance to the country, and provide a vibrant opposition with knowledge, timelines, and vision” to restore Nigeria’s potential.

“Our coming together is a message, and that message is going to resonate because all our colleagues, the PDP governors, are behind this kind of journey,” he added

In response, Peter Obi highlighted that his visit aimed to discuss Nigeria’s pressing challenges, particularly in the northern region.

“We have to discuss issues happening in the North. I have told the governor today that the North is a critical component if we are going to get it right in this country,” Obi stated.

He pointed out that addressing poverty is central to tackling insecurity and other socio-economic challenges.

“There is poverty in Nigeria. We have to deal with the issue of poverty, and until you solve poverty, then you can talk about criminality,” he emphasized.

Obi reiterated the need for substantial investments in key sectors to uplift Nigerians from poverty, curb crime, and foster a more stable society.

Obi’s meeting with the Bauchi governor is seen as a strategic move towards fostering alliances ahead of future political realignments. His departure from the PDP in 2022, just before the party’s presidential primary, signaled a shift in Nigeria’s opposition dynamics.

With both leaders advocating for a collaborative approach, their discussions could mark the beginning of a broader coalition aimed at reshaping the country’s political landscape.