After Meeting Obi, Governor Bala Mohammed Declares Self ‘Freelance Politician

Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, arrived in Bauchi State on Thursday for a high-level meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed.

The two politicians held a closed-door session at the Presidential Lounge of the Government House, with details of their discussions yet to be disclosed. Both leaders were, however, expected to brief journalists after the meeting.

The visit comes amid heightened political activity surrounding Governor Mohammed’s anticipated defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On March 31, the governor publicly indicated that his preferred destination was the ADC while hosting a delegation of party leaders led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir Lawal.

Despite this, his next moves have remained uncertain. Just a day later, on April 1, Mohammed received the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State at the Government House in Bauchi—fueling speculation about a possible shift in political alignment.

As chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Mohammed’s eventual decision is being closely monitored, with analysts viewing it as a potentially significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 general election.

Peter Obi was accompanied on the visit by prominent South-East ADC leaders, including Chief Achike Udenwa, Senator Ben Obi, Senator Victor Umeh, among others.