Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, met with Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, at the Government House in Bauchi on Thursday. The meeting has sparked widespread speculation about potential political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with both leaders emphasizing the need for a united opposition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the closed-door meeting, Mohammed declared Obi the "face of opposition politics in Nigeria," praising his political vision and governance style. "Whether we like it or not, he is now the face of opposition politics in Nigeria," Mohammed stated. He expressed his readiness to collaborate with Obi to build a formidable opposition focused on good governance and national unity.
"I want to say clearly that I am ready to work with Peter Obi. We must come together to bring good governance, offer a vibrant opposition with vision and strategy, and rescue this country from mediocrities parading themselves as leaders," Mohammed said. He added that his fellow PDP governors support such alliances, signaling a potential realignment of opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi, for his part, described the meeting as part of broader consultations aimed at addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, particularly in the North. He highlighted poverty as a root cause of insecurity and urged political leaders to prioritize economic policies that uplift citizens. "All of you know where we are today as a country. We must talk about the issues affecting the North because the North is a critical component in getting Nigeria on the right path," Obi said. "When people talk about criminality in Nigeria, especially in the North, I tell them the real issue is poverty. Until we address poverty, we cannot solve criminality."
The meeting comes amid growing discussions about a coalition of opposition parties to challenge the APC in the 2027 presidential election. Obi, who resigned from the PDP in 2022 citing internal party issues, has not confirmed any plans to return to the party but has expressed openness to a coalition focused on governance rather than merely seizing power. "I am open to the idea of a coalition, but only one focused on governance," Obi has previously stated.
The discussions between Obi and Mohammed also touched on national issues, including political developments in Rivers State and the state of opposition politics in Nigeria. Mohammed hinted that the meeting was a step toward building a strategic alliance that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
The meeting follows recent political developments, including Nasir El-Rufai’s departure from the APC and his pledge to unite opposition leaders against the ruling party.
As coalition talks intensify, the meeting between Obi and Mohammed underscores the growing momentum for opposition unity and the potential for significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.