Peter Obi and Governor Bala Mohammed Strengthen Opposition Alliance for Nigeria’s Future
Bauchi, Nigeria – In a move that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have pledged to work together in providing a strong and credible opposition to the current administration. The two leaders met behind closed doors at the Bauchi State Government House on Thursday, discussing national issues and strategies to rescue Nigeria from what they described as "mediocre leadership."
Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, reaffirmed his commitment to uniting political forces beyond party lines to foster good governance. He emphasized that Nigeria needs a competent and visionary leadership to tackle pressing national challenges, including insecurity, economic instability, and poverty.
“We will give vibrant opposition with knowledge and vision to recover our country from the mediocrity that is parading itself as leadership. This collaboration is beyond party, religion, and personal interests. It is about Nigeria,” Governor Bala stated.
Peter Obi echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of tackling poverty as a means to reduce criminality and improve national stability. He noted that Nigeria has vast economic potential, particularly in agriculture, which, if properly harnessed, could transform the country’s fortunes.
“Until we solve poverty, we cannot address criminality. Nigeria has all it takes to be an economic powerhouse, but we must invest in key sectors that uplift the people,” Obi remarked.
The former presidential candidate also took a critical look at President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, sarcastically praising his administration for staying true to its promise of continuity—highlighting the surge in the exchange rate, inflation, and rising cost of living as indicators of economic mismanagement.
“Tinubu promised to continue where Buhari stopped, and indeed, he has done exactly that. The dollar has moved from ₦400 to over ₦1,500, fuel from ₦300 to over ₦1,000, and food prices have tripled. This is not the kind of continuity Nigeria needs,” Obi said.
He compared Nigeria’s economic trajectory with that of Indonesia, a fellow developing nation, pointing out that while Indonesia has grown its GDP significantly, Nigeria’s economy has declined.
Obi’s visit to Bauchi and his discussions with Governor Bala Mohammed reflect a growing alliance among opposition figures who are determined to present a strong alternative to the ruling party. He was accompanied by former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Nenadi Usman, further signaling a broader political coalition in the making.
While it remains unclear whether this partnership will evolve into a formal political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections, the commitment to sustained dialogue suggests that Nigeria’s opposition is preparing for a more coordinated and strategic push for governance reforms.
### Key Takeaways:
- Governor Bala Mohammed and Peter Obi have pledged to work together for better governance.
- Their discussions focused on national unity, economic recovery, and tackling poverty.
- Obi criticized Tinubu’s economic policies, calling for competence over tribal and religious politics.
- The meeting hints at a potential realignment within the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
This emerging political movement could redefine Nigeria’s opposition landscape in the coming years, offering a renewed focus on economic transformation, leadership accountability, and national unity.