A group, Bauchi Patriots, has accused Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed of secretly seeking admission into the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite publicly projecting opposition politics, alleging he is using political alliances to pressure the ruling party for renewed negotiations.
In a statement, the group claimed Mohammed’s reported outreach to APC leaders and his meeting with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were part of a strategy to boost his bargaining power and secure entry into the ruling party on his own terms.
The group also questioned the governor’s claim of being a “freelance politician,” describing it as contradictory and a sign of political uncertainty, while urging opposition figures, including Obi, to be cautious in dealings with him.
However, Governor Mohammed, while hosting Obi and South-East stakeholders in Bauchi, dismissed partisan interpretations of the meeting, saying it focused on national unity, political cooperation and possible future realignments rather than party defections.
Obi also denied any defection talks, stressing the engagement was aimed at building national consensus and collaboration, while both leaders maintained their discussions were centred on strengthening opposition cooperation and promoting a better Nigeria.