Obi, Bala Mohammed consult on ‘national issues’ in Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on Thursday hosted a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) who was also the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi at the Government House, Bauchi. Both leaders held private talks before having open discussion and photo sessions.

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The former governor of Anambra State was accompanied by some political leaders from the South-East geo-political zone and his close associates. They include Chief Ben Obi a former senator, Achike Udenwa a former governor of Imo State, two serving senators- Victor Umeh (Anambra) and Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia) as well as the National Coordinator of Obidient Movement, Dr Tanko Yunusa.

In a post on his X page, Governor Mohammed wrote:

“Today, I received the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and a chieftain of the ADC, Mr Peter Obi, at the Government House in Bauchi.

“Our discussions centred on critical national issues, including economic recovery and the welfare of our citizens. I commended him for the visit, as engagements of this nature foster mutual understanding and help drive practical, people-focused solutions.

“We also took time to review the evolving political landscape and emphasized the urgent need to strengthen our democratic institutions. We jointly urged all stakeholders to rise above partisanship and place the national interest at the forefront of all decisions.

Mr Obi similarly posted as follows on his X page:

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“Today, in continuation of our consultations and collaboration efforts, I was in Bauchi state with some notable Igbo leaders where we had a very insightful discussion with Governor Bala Mohammed. The mission is aimed at a united, secured, productive and progressive Nigeria that cares for all, especially the less privileged.

A new Nigeria is POssible.”

Apart from the courtesy call on Governor Mohammed, Mr Obi had other engagements in the state including the visiting of three institutions, according to his Associate, Dr Yunusa. The institutions are the Malikiya College of Nursing Sciences, Bauchi, an Almajiri school (Madarasatu Intisharul Islam Qismu Tahfizul Qur’an Yelwa) and a Catholic school in the state. He made donations of funds to support students and the institutions, Dr Yunusa further disclosed.

PUNCH reported that Governor Mohammed, while speaking with newsmen after his meeting with Mr Obi, described himself as a “freelance politician” now with no direct ties to any political party.

The governor said their meeting centred on national unity and collaboration, noting that the discussions were not driven by partisan interests or personal ambition.

“Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and his party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary.

“Certainly, we are all in the opposition, and that is why I say this is a political discussion. We will not disclose everything we have discussed in terms of the ‘i’s and ‘t’s we have crossed,” he said.

Mr Mohammed emphasised that ongoing engagements among political actors were geared towards possible realignment and cooperation ahead of next year’s general polls.

He added, “We cannot operate without a platform. At the end of the day, the current political situation may even help unify us and strengthen our chances of winning elections.”

While describing Mr Obi’s visit as symbolic, the governor said it reflected efforts to build bridges across regions and zones.

“He (Obi) is talking about unifying the country, building bridges, and creating a new tomorrow for Nigeria. This is what we stand for as a state and as a people. We feel highly honoured by this visit,” said the governor.

Mr Obi, in his earlier remarks said the visit was aimed at fostering unity and strengthening collaboration across the country.

He dismissed speculations about political defections, insisting that the engagement was not about party alignment.

“We are not inviting each other into political parties; we are inviting ourselves to build a better Nigeria,” he explained.

Recently, Governor Mohammed has been consulting with diverse stakeholders across political parties, including leaders of the ADC and the All Progressives Congress amid speculations about his political future. The atmosphere remains uncertain about his final destination.