Peter Obi Holds Private Talks with Bala Mohammed in Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed played host to African Democratic Congress chieftain and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi on Thursday, as the latter arrived in the state for a high-level meeting with the governor.

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The visit by Peter Obi was shrouded in uncertainty, with the purpose of his meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed not immediately clear, as the two engaged in a closed-door discussion at the Presidential Lounge of the Government House in Bauchi.

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Both Governor Mohammed and Peter Obi were expected to brief journalists on the outcome of their talks, but this was yet to happen as they remained locked in their meeting.

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The meeting between the two took place against the backdrop of Governor Mohammed's statement on March 31, in which he expressed a preference for joining the African Democratic Congress, a declaration he made while hosting a delegation from the ADC led by Babachir Lawal.

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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, had led the ADC delegation to the Government House in Bauchi, where Governor Mohammed made the statement about his potential defection to the ADC.

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However, in the days that followed, Governor Mohammed's plans appeared less clear, as he also met with APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf at the Government House on April 1, sparking speculation about his next move.

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This development, which took place on April 1, added to the uncertainty surrounding Governor Mohammed's political future, as he continues to chair the PDP Governors’ Forum.

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As one of the most significant defection decisions ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Mohammed's eventual choice of party is being closely watched by all stakeholders.