The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has called on the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to return to the PDP.
Mohammed made the appeal on Friday while hosting Obi at the Bauchi Government House. He noted that Nigerians’ expectations ahead of the 2027 general elections are high and stressed the need for unity among opposition parties.
Addressing Obi directly, the governor said, “There is a lot of hunger and anger. And we don’t want to cause so many disparaging movements. So please come back. That’s where you belong. Don’t go anywhere that is in disarray.”
He further spoke about the importance of consolidating the strength of opposition forces, stating that the political climate requires collaboration rather than fragmentation. According to him, parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), PDP, and others must form a united front to better serve Nigerians.
“We have to harmonise our interests in the interest of the people of Nigeria. The opposition must come together. This ADC, PDP and even the remaining political parties should come together,” he said.
Mohammed maintained that his position was not rooted in animosity toward the current administration but in a belief that the government needs to perform better. “We don’t even hate the present administration. We wish they would do better, but as I discussed with you, there’s no budget. There is no plan. Everything is about politics from day one,” he stated.
The governor cautioned against divisive rhetoric, urging politicians to avoid statements that could alienate citizens. “We have to be cautious, not to disparage our people. We have to unite the opposition, our ego and our interests. So that we can present a common front to compete and to make sure that we go to the promised land,” he said.
Peter Obi, in his remarks, explained that his visit to Bauchi was part of an engagement with young Nigerians, particularly students in colleges of health and members of the Almajiri community. He said the interactions gave him confidence in the abilities of the younger generation.
According to Obi, he was impressed by the potential of the youths he met during the trip. “I am satisfied with their potential,” he said, adding that the future of the country depends heavily on nurturing and investing in young people.
He also commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his efforts in improving education in Bauchi State, acknowledging visible developments in the sector.
The meeting between the two political figures comes at a time of heightened political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections. With growing concerns over economic challenges and governance, conversations about alliances and party realignments have become more prominent within Nigeria’s political space.
Governor Mohammed’s invitation to Obi is seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate opposition strength in order to challenge the ruling party in 2027. Obi, who left the PDP in 2022 to contest under the Labour Party, garnered significant youth support and emerged as a key figure in the last presidential race.
While Obi has not publicly indicated a willingness to rejoin the PDP, his cordial meeting with Mohammed signals that discussions about political cooperation remain ongoing. The governor’s remarks suggest that the PDP is open to bringing back influential figures from its past ranks in a bid to strengthen its electoral chances.
Political analysts note that the call for unity among opposition parties reflects a recognition that fragmented political efforts may weaken their ability to compete effectively. They also observe that such invitations could set the tone for realignments and coalition-building in the years leading up to the next election.
The political landscape ahead of 2027 is expected to be shaped by negotiations, alliances, and strategic decisions among Nigeria’s major and emerging parties. For now, the public awaits whether Peter Obi will respond to the invitation to return to his former party or continue to chart his course within the Labour Party.
