The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, met with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, behind closed doors on Thursday at the Ramat House in Bauchi. The purpose of the meeting has not yet been disclosed, but both politicians are expected to address journalists afterward.
The meeting between Obi, a key opposition figure, and Mohammed, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, finished third in the 2023 presidential race, which was won by former Lagos governor Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Tinubu secured victory in 12 states, amassing 8,794,726 votes—nearly two million more than his closest rival, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP. Abubakar, who has contested the presidency six times, garnered 6,984,520 votes. Meanwhile, Obi, who gained widespread support among young voters, secured 6,101,533 votes. He won in 11 states, including Lagos, and also claimed victory in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The possibility of a coalition among opposition parties to challenge the APC in 2027 has been a major topic in political circles. Atiku has been seen meeting with Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other influential political figures. El-Rufai recently left the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing a departure from the party’s founding principles. Similarly, Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has also been involved in discussions with key political stakeholders.
As the meeting between Obi and Mohammed continues, political analysts speculate on the possible formation of new alliances. The outcome of this engagement could influence the dynamics of the 2027 elections. Further details will emerge once both leaders address the media.
