Unrest broke out across parts of Northern Nigeria on Tuesday as groups of angry youths in Bauchi and Gombe states set fire to billboards, posters featuring Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. The protests came in response to widespread claims that the governor had distanced himself from a proposed political coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Governor Mohammed, who also serves as the chairman, Governors’ Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had recently presided over a strategic meeting in Ibadan. Delivering the communique after the meeting, he made it clear that while the PDP is open to forming alliances with like-minded parties and individuals, it would not participate in any coalition whose sole objective is to oppose the APC.
“We are open to dialogue and building bridges, however, the PDP will not commit to any coalition formed purely to fight the APC. Our priority is to rebuild our party and offer Nigerians a credible alternative,’ he said.
These remarks have sparked outrage among the northern youth population, some of whom have accused the governor of covertly supporting President Tinubu. Protesters accused the governor of covertly backing President Tinubu while hiding under the PDP banner, insisting that his refusal to align with the opposition amounts to a betrayal of the people.
Protesters were chanting anti-government slogans, vandalizing campaign materials, and calling for the governor to step down as PDP Governors’ Forum Chair. Local law enforcement agencies were deployed to maintain order, though the protests remained largely peaceful as of Tuesday afternoon.
This wave of unrest comes amid growing speculation about a possible grand opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 elections. Key political figures such as former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai are reportedly in discussions to form a united front against the APC.
