A senior Nigerian opposition leader has publicly urged Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling a push for unity among factions critical of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC). Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors Forum, extended the invitation during Obi’s visit to Bauchi on Friday, framing it as part of a broader effort to strengthen opposition forces ahead of future elections.
Mohammed praised Obi’s reputation for pragmatic governance and his focus on healthcare and education, citing his tenure as Anambra State governor. “Your track record in Anambra sets a template for what Nigeria needs,” he said, addressing journalists and supporters at the Bauchi Government House. He criticized the APC-led federal government for prioritizing “politics over planning,” accusing it of lacking coherent strategies to address Nigeria’s economic struggles and social inequality. “Unity among opposition parties isn’t optional—it’s a necessity to rescue Nigeria,” Mohammed asserted, naming the PDP, Labour Party, African Democratic Congress, and Social Democratic Party as critical allies in this effort.
Obi, whose third-place finish in the 2023 election galvanized a youth-driven movement dubbed the “Obidient” faction, responded by emphasizing cross-party collaboration. “This isn’t about individual ambitions but about salvaging our nation,” he said. During his visit, he donated ₦15 million (approximately $10,000) to two educational institutions: Malkiya College of Nursing Sciences and Intisharu Taufizul Quranic Islamic School. At the nursing college, he underscored the vital role of healthcare workers, revealing he supports over 60 nursing schools nationwide. “Progress isn’t measured by political wins alone but by tangibly uplifting communities,” he said.
The former governor’s itinerary also included a dialogue with student leaders, where he renewed a pledge to serve a single four-year term if elected president. “Leadership is about impact, not longevity,” he stated, advocating for shorter, purpose-driven tenures. His emphasis on education reform resonated at the Islamic school, where he called for blending religious instruction with secular skills like mathematics and literacy.
Analysts view Mohammed’s outreach as a strategic move to consolidate support in Nigeria’s north, where the PDP seeks to regain influence after recent electoral setbacks. The ruling APC, however, faces growing scrutiny over inflation, security challenges, and allegations of mismanagement—factors opposition figures aim to leverage. While Obi has not yet indicated whether he will rejoin the PDP, his engagement with rivals suggests shifting alliances in a polity increasingly defined by calls for coalition-building over partisan divides.
