In a strategic move to strengthen opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, engaged in a closed-door meeting with Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, on Thursday.
The discussions, held in Bauchi, have sparked speculation about Obi’s potential return to the PDP.
Insiders from the Bauchi State Government House revealed that Obi’s visit aimed to align PDP governors with ongoing appeals for him and his running mate, Senator Datti Baba Ahmed, to rejoin the PDP.
Notably, prominent figures like former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar are reportedly urging Obi’s return to consolidate efforts in addressing Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
Emerging from the meeting, Governor Mohammed expressed his readiness to collaborate with Obi to challenge the current leadership.
He stated, “Obi is the leader of opposition in Nigeria, because of his position and pedigree. As a person, I am ready to work with Mr Peter Obi and to make sure we close ranks and bring good governance to the country.”
Mohammed emphasized the importance of unity among opposition leaders to “rescue and recover our country from these mediocre that are parading themselves as leaders.”
Obi highlighted the necessity of addressing critical issues such as poverty, education, and health to reduce criminality.
He remarked, “There is so much criminality in Nigeria… And I say, no, there’s poverty in Nigeria. You must deal with the issue of poverty.”
“What we are discussing in the political space are mundane things… We need to discuss hunger. We need to discuss poverty. We need to discuss education.”
DAILY GAZETTE reports that some PDP leaders, including Mohammed, are advocating for Atiku Abubakar to step aside from his presidential aspirations to facilitate a broader coalition.
Buba Galadima, an ally of NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso, suggested that Atiku should “quietly step aside and assist the country to move forward.”
