Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Mr. Bala Mohammed, Thursday, declared that whether people (including the traducers of the former Anambra Governor) like it or not, Peter Obi is the authentic face of the opposition in Nigeria.
Mohammed made the declaration in Bauchi, on Thursday, after a closed-door meeting with the Labour Party (LP) flagbearer in the 2023 presidential election, describing Obi as the indisputable voice of opposition politics in Nigeria.
Praising Obi’s political vision and governance style, Mohammed declared:
“Whether we like it or not, he is now the face of opposition politics in Nigeria.”
The Bauchi governor tasked opposition leaders to unite and provide a strong, strategic challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. He promised to work with Obi in shaping a formidable opposition that prioritises good governance and national unity.
“I want to say clearly that I am ready to work with Peter Obi,” Governor Mohammed said. “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.
“The time has come for us to step out and act with sincerity and focus. Our coming together is a message, and this message will resonate because my fellow governors support this kind of alliance.”
In his response, Obi described the meeting as part of broader consultations aimed at addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, particularly in the North.
Stressing the need to tackle poverty as a root cause of insecurity, the former Anambra Governor urged political leaders to focus on economic policies that uplift citizens.
“All of you know where we are today as a country,” Obi continued. “We must talk about the issues affecting the North because the North is a critical component in getting Nigeria on the right path.
“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.”
Acccording to The Guardian, the duo’s discussion covered national issues, including the political developments in Rivers State and the state of opposition politics in the country.
Mohammed hinted that his fellow PDP governors support such alliances, suggesting a potential realignment ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.