I’m Now a Freelance Politician, Declares Mohammed, as Obi Continues Consultation

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, yesterday, declared that he had become a “freelance politician” with no firm alignment to any political party.

Mohammed made the remark while hosting a chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, alongside South-east stakeholders in Bauchi.

The governor described the engagement as part of a broader consultation on national unity and political cooperation.

He stated, “Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and this party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary.

“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.”

Mohammed stated that ongoing talks among political actors could lead to new alignments ahead of future elections.

“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,” he said.

He described Obi’s visit as symbolic of efforts to bridge regional divides and promote national cohesion.

“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,” Mohammed said.

Earlier, Obi said the visit was aimed at fostering unity and strengthening collaboration across the country.

“My purpose is to solicit support and cooperation among stakeholders, particularly from Bauchi State, in our quest to unite this country,” he said.

Obi dismissed speculation about political defections. He stressed that the meeting was not about party politics.

“We are not inviting each other into political parties; we are inviting ourselves to build a better Nigeria,” he added.