Bauchi Patriots have accused Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, of engaging in what they describe as calculated political manoeuvres aimed at positioning himself for entry into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite ongoing political tensions and shifting alliances within the opposition.
In a statement signed by Mal Abdullahi Yunusa and Mr. Ishak Gambo Dass, the group alleged that the governor is actively seeking acceptance into the APC while publicly maintaining distance, claiming he has been pressuring the party’s national leadership to reconsider earlier negotiation breakdowns.
They further alleged that Mohammed recently extended an invitation to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to visit Bauchi, suggesting the move was part of a broader political strategy designed to strengthen his bargaining position in discussions with the APC leadership.
According to the group, the visit was allegedly intended as a political signal to influence ongoing realignment talks, with claims that the governor is attempting to improve his leverage ahead of potential negotiations with the ruling party.
The Bauchi Patriots also criticised Mohammed’s recent description of himself as a “freelance politician,” arguing that it contradicts his alleged interest in joining the APC and reflects what they called political inconsistency and desperation amid declining influence within his home state.
They questioned his political direction, insisting that if he remained confident in his support base, there would be no need to pursue what they described as aggressive efforts to secure entry into the APC under negotiated terms. The group also advised him to either accept the conditions reportedly set by the APC or align with other political figures facing similar uncertainties.
Additionally, the group cautioned opposition politicians, including Peter Obi, against being influenced by what they termed strategic political positioning by the governor, alleging that he is using engagements with opposition figures to strengthen his negotiation power with the ruling party.
The statement comes shortly after Governor Mohammed hosted Peter Obi and South-East stakeholders in Bauchi, where discussions reportedly focused on national unity and interregional cooperation rather than party politics.
During the meeting, Mohammed described himself as a “freelance politician” and suggested that political actors across party lines are exploring possible realignments ahead of future elections. Obi, on his part, maintained that the engagement was aimed at fostering unity and building a more collaborative national framework, rather than political defection or alignment.
Both figures emphasised that their discussions were centred on national development and bridging regional divides rather than immediate electoral considerations.
