Bauchi Governor Declares Self ‘Partyless’ Freelance Politician After Meeting Peter Obi

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has declared that he is now operating as a “freelance politician” with no firm allegiance to any political party, a revelation that comes amid intense speculation about his political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the remark while hosting former Anambra State governor and African Democratic Congress chieftain, Peter Obi, alongside stakeholders from the South-East at the Government House in Bauchi on Thursday. The closed-door meeting, which focused on national unity and political collaboration, has further fuelled discussions about possible realignments among opposition figures.

“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,” Mohammed said in a statement. “Certainly, we are all in the opposition, and that is why I say this is a political discussion. We will not disclose everything we have discussed in terms of the ‘I’s and ‘t’s we have crossed.”

The governor, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, explained that ongoing consultations among political actors were aimed at possible realignment and cooperation ahead of future elections. He acknowledged that operating without a political platform is not sustainable but suggested that the current political turbulence might ultimately strengthen opposition forces.

“We cannot operate without a platform. At the end of the day, the current political situation may even help unify us and strengthen our chances of winning elections,” Mohammed added.

The governor described Obi’s visit as symbolic of broader 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. This is what we stand for as a state and as a people. We feel highly honoured by this visit,” he said.

In his remarks, Obi clarified that the meeting was not about party defections but rather a quest for national unity. “My purpose is to solicit support and cooperation among stakeholders, particularly from Bauchi State, in our quest to unite this country,” Obi said. He dismissed speculation about political horse-trading, adding, “We are not inviting each other into political parties; we are inviting ourselves to build a better Nigeria.”

The meeting was attended by several South-East stakeholders, including former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, and Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Victor Umeh.

Mohammed’s declaration of being “partyless” comes after weeks of political uncertainty following collapsed negotiations with the All Progressives Congress. The governor had earlier been in talks with the APC leadership about a possible defection, but discussions stalled over disagreements concerning a proposed power-sharing formula. Reports indicated that Mohammed’s camp demanded a 60 per cent share of party offices in Bauchi State, a condition the APC reportedly rejected.

The Bauchi State Chairman of the PDP, Samaila Adamu Burga, had previously announced that negotiations with the APC were formally discontinued after the party failed to accept the terms put forward. “After careful and extensive considerations, the proposal put forward during the negotiations were ultimately not accepted by the APC leadership,” Burga stated.

Prior to the APC talks, Mohammed had also hosted a delegation from the African Democratic Congress led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, on March 31, where he hinted at a possible move to the ADC. However, the political landscape shifted further when the Independent National Electoral Commission withdrew recognition from the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee of the ADC.

With defection plans to both the APC and ADC appearing to have hit roadblocks, Mohammed’s latest declaration has left supporters and political observers guessing about his next move. A loyalist, Idris Abdul’aziz, recently described the situation as confusing, telling reporters, “Politics is often described as a game of interest, but what we are witnessing now goes beyond that. As loyalists, we are confused.”

Despite the uncertainty, Mohammed remains the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, though his latest comments suggest a growing detachment from the party. His political destination is being closely watched as one of the most consequential decisions ahead of the 2027 elections, with analysts suggesting that his ultimate choice could significantly impact the balance of power in the North-East and the opposition landscape nationally.

Meanwhile, the governor has also taken to social media to provide further details of his discussions with Obi. In a post on X, Mohammed said their meeting centred on “critical national issues, including economic recovery and the welfare of our citizens,” as well as the need to strengthen democratic institutions. He added that both leaders agreed on the need for political stakeholders to prioritise national interest over partisan considerations.