Garba Mohammed
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has called on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi to return to the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Mohammed made the appeal during Obi’s visit to the Bauchi State Government House on Friday, where he hosted the former Anambra governor and members of the Obidient movement.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists, Mohammed stressed the need for unity among opposition parties, including the PDP, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and others. He emphasized that a divided opposition would be ineffective against the ruling party in 2027.
“We have to harmonise our interests in the interest of the people of Nigeria,” he said. “The opposition must come together. This ADC, PDP, and even the remaining political parties should come together. We don’t even hate the present administration. We wish they would do better, but there’s no budget, no plan. Everything is about politics from day one.”
Mohammed continued by highlighting the urgent needs of the Nigerian people. “There’s a lot of hunger and anger. We must not create more divisions. We have to unite the opposition, our ego, and our interests. That way, we can present a common front and get to the promised land.”
He urged Obi directly: “So please come back. That’s where you belong. Don’t go anywhere that is in disarray.”
In response, Peter Obi explained that his visit to Bauchi was part of his tour to engage with students and youths, including those in colleges of health and Islamic learning institutions.
Obi also praised Governor Mohammed for his contributions to education in the state. “You are doing wonderful work in the education sector. I am encouraged by what I’ve seen.”
When asked about the state of Nigerian politics, Obi insisted that the nation’s politics must shift to a focus on capacity and compassion. “Our politics must change. It has to be the politics of development, competence, and compassion—where we care for people.”
He acknowledged the need for strategic alliances ahead of 2027 but emphasized that alliances must be for national progress. “Alliance is not for power grabbing, but to bring about change and development.”
During his visit, Peter Obi donated N15 million to two educational institutions: N10 million to Malikiya College of Nursing Sciences, and N5 million to Intisharu Islamic and Quranic Memorisation School.
He emphasized the critical role of nurses in the healthcare system. “The nurse is more important than the doctor. The nurse knows the patient, owns the patient, and is everything.”