Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has explained his decision to end his campaign for the presidency in 2027, expressing his full support for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) recent decision to zone its ticket to the southern part of Nigeria.
The governor stated that he was pleased to put the party’s unity ahead of his personal ambition.
Addressing journalists, Mohammed said he was a key part of the decision-making process and fully supported the outcome. “I’m very satisfied with the resolution because I’m part of it– from the arrangement, strategy, and delivery,” he stated.
He described the decision, which includes holding the party’s national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, and maintaining the existing zoning arrangement for party offices, as a necessary step toward stability and unity within the PDP.
“It’s an all-inclusive decision for us to have our national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, and sustain the existing zoning formula in the party offices and to zone the presidential office to the South so that we can have some sanity, understanding, and unity,” Mohammed explained.
The governor emphasised that his withdrawal was rooted in the belief that politics should be guided by sacrifice and the collective good, rather than personal interest.
He called on Nigerians to recognise that political decisions should align with party principles and national development goals. “I’m calling on Nigerians to know that politics is not about personal interest, it’s about self actualisation within the framework of party decisions, manifesto, and national development.”
He added, “Everything is predicated on sacrifice not interest and of course we must always give allowance, respect each other, and power comes from God.” Mohammed confirmed that he and other party leaders, including governors, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the Board of Trustees (BoT), remain committed to strengthening the PDP and ensuring it remains an attractive option for all Nigerians.
His comments come amid broader discussions within the party about its strategy for the 2027 elections. Other prominent figures, such as Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, have also spoken out, describing the party’s decision to field a northern candidate in the 2023 election as a “mistake” that cost the party dearly.
Meanwhile, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom welcomed the zoning of the ticket to the south but attached a condition to his support, stating that his backing would depend on the credibility of the candidate chosen. “If we have a credible candidate,” he said, “I will compare him with the current president and will take a decision.”
Governor Mohammed’s move is seen as a significant effort to promote party discipline and cohesion after the internal conflicts that affected the PDP in the last election cycle. By prioritising the party’s agreed zoning arrangement, he aims to foster an environment where members can work together effectively ahead of the next national election.
“So, we are always available as governors, NWC, BoT to work towards making sure that PDP is a darling of Nigerians so that we can give everyone the political space or allowances to come and actualise their aspirations,” Mohammed concluded.
Discussion about this post