Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has dismissed speculations suggesting that he is positioning himself for the vice-presidential slot in the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Mohammed clarified that the choice of a running mate rests solely with the eventual presidential candidate of the party.
“I am not withdrawing because I want to prepare myself for vice presidency. Of course, if the consensus of our party leaders and the presidential candidate favours me, I am ready. But if I am not chosen, I will give my maximum support to whoever emerges,” he said.
He further debunked reports claiming that the PDP was considering a joint ticket with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as presidential candidate and himself as running mate.
“I and Seyi have never discussed such an arrangement. What we talk about is how, by God’s grace, the PDP can return to power in 2027 and deliver good governance to Nigerians,” he clarified.
On zoning, Mohammed explained that the party’s decision to shift its presidential ticket to the South was informed by lessons from the 2023 elections.
“When we went against zoning in 2023, it did not go well for us, and that was part of why we lost. I discovered that the presidency is more of a consensus phenomenon. Even as chairman of the governors’ forum, I am only leading equals,” he noted.
He emphasized that the PDP must learn from the mistakes of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which fielded a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023.
“We need a Christian from the South as our presidential candidate who can rally support from the majority of southern Christians, while pairing with a Muslim from the North as vice president. That is the balance Nigerians need, not the cul-de-sac created by the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket,” Mohammed stressed.
The governor also disclosed that PDP leaders have initiated talks with influential politicians ahead of 2027, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
“I have spoken with President Jonathan, and I was the first to say that if he contests, I will not. I have also spoken with my brother and friend Peter Obi, as well as Governor Amaechi. Our party remains open to all credible leaders who can strengthen our presidential drive,” he revealed.
Addressing concerns that zoning to the South might sideline northern PDP members, Mohammed said the decision was made in good faith and remains acceptable.
“Some of my supporters were not pleased that I stepped aside, but they must understand that politics requires compromise and respect. Yes, there were complaints, but they are manageable,” he said.
On speculations of a one-term agreement for the PDP’s eventual flagbearer, Mohammed explained that such a decision would be left for the party caucus to decide.
“If the candidate agrees to serve one term, it will help reassure Nigerians who worry about regional dominance. But this is ultimately a collective decision for the caucus,” he said.
Speaking on the party’s internal disputes, he downplayed claims of disunity, saying issues were being resolved discreetly.
“As for Wike, we once had disagreements, but elders intervened and we stopped. While our closeness has reduced, there is no open hostility,” he stated.
On allegations that some PDP members are collaborating with President Bola Tinubu and the APC, Mohammed insisted that the PDP remains focused on building a credible opposition.
“When you have a member like Wike working with Tinubu, people will naturally assume so. But as a party, we are not working for Tinubu. We are united, determined, and ready to present Nigerians with a credible alternative in 2027,” he declared.
He concluded by stressing the importance of strong opposition parties in sustaining democracy, saying the PDP is committed to inclusiveness, consensus, and providing Nigerians with a real choice in 2027.
