BREAKING: PDP Governors Forum Chairman Declares Peter Obi Nigeria’s Opposition Leader

PDP Governors Forum Chairman Declares Peter Obi Nigeria’s Opposition Leader

 

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has declared Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, as the leader of Nigeria’s opposition.

 

His statement, made on Thursday following a closed-door meeting with Obi in Bauchi, also suggested the possibility of a political collaboration ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

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In his remarks, Mohammed acknowledged Obi’s significant position in Nigerian politics, citing his leadership and political pedigree. “Whether we like it or not, Peter Obi is the leader of the opposition in Nigeria now because of his position and pedigree. I’m ready to work with him to bring good governance to the country,” Mohammed declared.

 

The PDP governor emphasized the importance of a united opposition that would provide a strong counterforce to the current administration. “We will come together, close ranks and give vibrant opposition with knowledge, vision, and timelines. Our goal is to rescue and recover Nigeria from these mediocres,” he added, referencing the current leadership.

 

While some questioned whether the collaboration might lead to Obi’s return to the PDP, Mohammed dismissed this idea, calling the question “just semantics.” According to him, the collaboration was not about party affiliations but about service to the people. “Coming together is coming together. It’s not about party, region, or religion. It’s about service to the people,” he explained. He further emphasized that the collaboration transcended party lines, focusing on a shared commitment to improving governance and serving Nigerians.

 

The PDP governor also took a firm stance against attempts to undermine democracy, warning of resistance to any efforts to derail Nigeria’s democratic process through coercion or judicial interference.

 

Obi Calls for Focus on Poverty and Development

 

For his part, Peter Obi explained that his visit to Bauchi was part of ongoing consultations on Nigeria’s future. He praised Governor Mohammed as an important political figure and reiterated the need for a focused national conversation on key issues such as poverty, education, and development.

 

“The North is a critical component if we are going to get it right in this country. Poverty is a major issue, and until we solve it, we cannot talk about reducing criminality,” Obi stated. He also highlighted the untapped potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, arguing that the country could generate more revenue from agriculture than from oil. “We need to invest in education, health, and critical infrastructure to pull people out of poverty,” he added.

 

Obi expressed frustration with the current political discourse in Nigeria, which he believes often focuses on trivial issues instead of the real concerns facing the population. “We are not in Nollywood. Unfortunately, politics has become entertainment. Every morning, we hear stories about budget padding or sexual harassment, but we’re not discussing hunger, poverty or education. These are the issues that matter,” he said.

 

Regarding the potential collaboration with Mohammed, Obi acknowledged that it was a work in progress, emphasizing that building a better Nigeria was a long-term commitment. “You don’t consummate a marriage in one day. This is about building a better Nigeria for our children,” he remarked.

 

APC Responds to Opposition Claims

 

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the opposition’s criticisms, arguing that the government under President Bola Tinubu is already addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

 

Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, the APC National Director of Publicity, responded to the PDP and Labour Party leaders’ statements, calling the term “mediocrity” inappropriate when referring to the APC. “They have not mentioned names, so we can’t assume they’re referring to us. They may be talking about the disunity within their own ranks,” Ibrahim stated.

 

He pointed to recent developments within the APC, including a successful National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, as evidence of the party’s unity and progress. “The NEC passed a vote of confidence on the party’s leadership and the president. Nigeria is heading for prosperity under our watch,” Ibrahim added, urging the opposition to learn from the APC’s approach to governance.

 

Looking Ahead: A Possible 2027 Alliance?

 

The meeting between Peter Obi and Governor Bala Mohammed has sparked widespread speculation about a potential alliance between the two leaders ahead of the 2027 elections. Both leaders emphasized the need to prioritize governance over party politics, suggesting that their collaboration could transcend traditional political divisions.

 

Whether this will translate into a formal alliance remains to be seen, but the conversation signals a shifting dynamic in Nigeria’s political landscape.