Bauchi State Governor and national chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Bala Mohammed, has warned opposition politicians against relying on backing from the Federal Government to secure electoral victories.
Mohammed said political parties and candidates seeking to win elections must earn the confidence of voters rather than depend on perceived support from those in control of federal power.
The governor's remarks come amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political movements already positioning themselves for the contest. According to Mohammed, elections should ultimately be determined by the electorate and not by political calculations based on federal influence.
His comments add to the growing debate over the strength of opposition parties and their ability to compete effectively against the ruling political structure ahead of 2027.
Mohammed has emerged as an important figure within the opposition camp. He was recently identified as the national leader of the APM, which has positioned itself as an alternative political platform ahead of the next general election.
The governor's warning also comes shortly after the Bauchi State local government elections, in which opposition parties reportedly stayed away from the exercise. Mohammed criticised the decision, saying the parties should have participated instead of withdrawing from the contest. ong voters rather than assume that electoral outcomes can be determined through political arrangements outside the voting process.
The comments are likely to fuel further discussions about the political strength of the opposition ahead of 2027, particularly as several prominent politicians continue to negotiate alliances and explore alternative platforms.
The political atmosphere is already becoming increasingly competitive, with opposition figures raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral environment and the influence of government institutions.
The National Human Rights Commission, for instance, has recently warned about the growing use of hate speech, intimidation and divisive rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections, urging political actors to promote responsible public discourse.
Mohammed's latest position suggests that opposition politicians must focus on grassroots mobilisation, credible candidates and convincing voters if they hope to make significant gains in the next election. For voters, the development places renewed attention on the role they will play in determining the direction of the country in 2027.
As political parties intensify their preparations, the coming months are expected to bring more alliances, defections, campaign strategies and public debates over the performance of both the Federal Government and opposition-led states.
For now, Bala Mohammed's message is clear that politicians seeking electoral victory cannot simply depend on federal backing; they must convince Nigerians at the ballot box.