Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to nominate a Christian from the South as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, arguing that such a move would ensure religious and regional balance while avoiding what he described as the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) “mistake” in 2023.
Speaking on on Channels Television, Mohammed emphasized that the PDP remains open to aspirants but should prioritize diversity in its decision-making process.
“What I want to say is we have not absolutely chosen or narrowed down on any person. Everybody should know that PDP is open”, Mohammed stated.
“It’s open in a manner that it is for the southerners to bring somebody, and I said with all humility, we don’t want to make the mistake of the APC.”
The governor advocated for a southern Christian presidential candidate to be paired with a northern Muslim running mate, arguing that such a ticket would better represent Nigeria’s diversity.
“We need a Christian from the South to emerge as a presidential candidate, so that he will lead the majority of Christian southerners to come and pick the majority Muslim vice president in the North”, he explained.
Mohammed criticized the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023, saying it failed to adequately consider Nigeria’s religious sensitivities.
“We have not really reached a stage where we don’t take consideration of all these factors”, he added.
While addressing speculation about a possible Seyi Makinde-Bala Mohammed ticket, the governor dismissed such reports, clarifying that no concrete plans have been made.
“No, that’s not what we are planning… The president must be given the opportunity to choose his vice. I am not withdrawing because I want to prepare myself for the vice presidency,” he said.
However, Mohammed expressed willingness to serve if chosen.
“Of course, if it is within the sense of judgment of our party leaders and the presidential candidate to choose me, I’m ready. But if I’m not given… I’m ready to give whoever the party or the presidential candidate would emerge from the South to bring somebody if he is better than me”, he added.
The PDP has already zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, and Mohammed’s remarks highlight the ongoing discussions within the party about ensuring inclusivity and strategic alignment ahead of the next election.