Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has described himself as a “freelance politician,” indicating a shift away from strict party alignment amid ongoing political consultations.
He made the statement on Thursday while receiving Peter Obi, a key figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside stakeholders from Nigeria’s South-East region. According to the governor, their discussions focused on national unity and strategic collaboration rather than party politics.
Mohammed noted that the current political climate has blurred traditional party boundaries, suggesting that both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ADC are navigating uncertain terrain. He added that many opposition figures are closely watching developments within the judiciary while exploring possible alliances.
“We are essentially part of the opposition and engaging in broader political conversations,” he said, hinting at ongoing talks that could reshape alliances ahead of future elections. He emphasized that such engagements are necessary, as political actors ultimately need a platform to remain relevant and competitive.
The governor also described Obi’s visit as symbolic of efforts to bridge regional divides and foster national cohesion. He commended the initiative as aligning with Bauchi State’s vision of unity and inclusive progress.
In his remarks, Obi clarified that the meeting was not about party defections but about building cooperation across regions. He stressed that his mission was to seek support from stakeholders nationwide in pursuit of a more unified Nigeria.
Among those present at the meeting were notable South-East leaders, including former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, as well as Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Victor Umeh.
The meeting is part of a broader trend of consultations by Mohammed, who has recently engaged with political figures across party lines—including members of the ADC and the All Progressives Congress (APC)—as discussions around potential realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.