From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi
In a significant political move ahead of the 2027 general elections, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and current chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, Mr. Peter Obi, led a high-powered delegation to Bauchi State on Thursday to meet with Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
The meeting, held behind closed doors at the Presidential Lounge of the Government House, Bauchi, was aimed at building national synergy and fostering a partnership to “build a better Nigeria.”
Addressing reporters after the session, Mr. Obi emphasized that his visit transcended partisan politics.
He said: “I have been here before, but today, more importantly, I came with a powerful delegation from the South-East.
“My purpose is to solicit the support and cooperation of Governor Bala Mohammed, the stakeholders of Bauchi State, and the North-East in our quest to unite Nigeria.
“ We want a united country to build a future for our children.”
Obi lamented the current state of the nation, warning that the country is headed in the wrong direction.
“We need to reverse this trend for everyone. We are seeking support to build a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.
“ Whether it is hunger or kidnapping, these challenges do not ask for your political party, religion, or tribe. No political party buys bread cheaper”, he stated.
Responding to the visit, Governor Bala Mohammed described Obi’s mission as symbolic and visionary.
He noted that the discussions focused on “building bridges and creating a new tomorrow.”
The Governor, who currently chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum but has recently hinted at political realignments, described himself during the briefing as a “freelance politician.”
“Neither the PDP nor the ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and his [Obi’s] party is also in a state of flux as we look toward the judiciary.
“We are in the opposition, and this is a political discussion aimed at strengthening our chances of winning future elections through possible realignment”, he stated.
The prominent South-East leaders, who accompanied Mr. Obi included: Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe: Former Deputy Governor of Abia State (Abia South), Senator Victor Umeh, former National Chairman of APGA (Anambra Central), Senator Ben Obi.
Professor Udenta O. Udenta, Renowned Professor of African Literature, and
Comrade Tanko Yunusa notable activist and political strategist.
The visit has sparked widespread speculation regarding a potentially formidable opposition coalition forming between the ADC and elements of the PDP as the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape.
