Obi, Mohammed Push for United Opposition to Challenge Tinubu, Build Enduring Political Party

By Paul Orude, Bauchi

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on all opposition parties in Nigeria to unite and work towards building a formidable political party that will defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)  and outlive current political actors.

Obi made the call on Friday during a courtesy visit to Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State at the Government House, Bauchi,  stressong that his proposal was not about personal ambition or power grab but about creating a sustainable political structure that prioritises service to Nigerians.

“The opposition must work together,” Obi said. “However, we are not coming together just to grab power. If that were the case, neither Governor Bala Mohammed nor I would be part of it. We are uniting to serve Nigerians better because they are not being served well by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).”

The former governor of Anambra State, who was the running mate to Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 elections, noted that both he and Governor Mohammed had held several positions and were not driven by personal gain.

“We are coming together to build a better society for our children. This is not about positions — he has been a senator, a minister, and a governor. I have also served as governor. We want to create a political party that functions the way parties should — bigger than the individuals in power,” Obi stated.

He emphasized the need for political parties to be institutions that outlive their leaders, citing the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa as an example. “Parties should be bigger than presidents or governors. That way, we can have orderliness and sustainability,” he added.

In support of Obi’s remarks, Governor Mohammed reiterated the need for opposition unity to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration effectively.

“The opposition parties must come together,” Mohammed said. 

“We are working to form alliances that will present a common front. Mr. Peter Obi is one of the outstanding leaders of the opposition, and having him on board will be a great advantage.”

The meeting between the two leaders is seen as part of ongoing consultations aimed at forging a broad-based political coalition ahead of future elections.