Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has declared himself a “freelance politician,” signaling a shift away from strict party alignment following a high-level meeting with Peter Obi and key stakeholders from the South-East.
Mohammed made the remark on Thursday while hosting Obi, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside other political leaders in Bauchi. He explained that the discussions focused on national unity and strategic collaboration rather than party politics.
“Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and his party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary,” the governor said, hinting at ongoing uncertainties within political platforms.
He noted that the meeting formed part of broader consultations among opposition figures exploring possible alliances ahead of future elections, adding that the current political climate could encourage unity.
“We cannot operate without a platform. At the end of the day, the situation may help unify us and strengthen our chances in future elections,” he added.
Describing Obi’s visit as symbolic, Mohammed said it underscored efforts to build bridges across regional and political divides.
“He is talking about unifying the country, building bridges, and creating a new tomorrow for Nigeria. We feel highly honoured by this visit,” he said.
In his remarks, Obi said the visit was aimed at fostering cooperation and national cohesion, dismissing speculation that it was about political defections.
“We are not inviting each other into political parties; we are inviting ourselves to build a better Nigeria,” he said.
The meeting drew several influential South-East leaders, including former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, as well as Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Victor Umeh, further fueling speculation about a potential political realignment ahead of upcoming elections.