Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, speaks on the opposition party’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South, lessons from the 2023 election, and efforts to rebuild bridges within the party ahead of 2027. In this interview on Channels TV’ Politics Today’ monitored by David Lawani, he also addressed speculations about alliances, running mate debates, and the place of figures like Jonathan, Obi in PDP’s future
What was going on in your mind at the meeting, because, as the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, one would imagine that the party, for the first time, is zoning the presidential ticket to the South? You were one of those who said the ticket should be thrown open in 2023. What happened now?
Life is always a learning process. What we experienced in 2023 was not a pleasant one, and that is why we lost the election. I discovered, to my surprise, that the presidency is a consensus phenomenon. Unless people come together, you cannot impose anybody or any group. Despite my leadership position, I am leading a group of equals. Of course, we must change the trajectory of leadership recruitment in a manner that fosters consensus, promotes unity, and sets aside our personal interests so that we can provide Nigerians with a new political space that brings people together to make decisions that deliver authentic leadership. We know leadership is just an extension of delegation. My party has decided to zone this position in the South, and I had no qualms because I knew it was for the common good and not about personal interest. We have learnt from the mistakes we made in the past.
You have always wanted to be President. At what point did you jettison the idea?
I jettisoned the idea from the point we decided that all of us are equal. We have many eminently qualified people who are well-positioned within the power structure, including governors, bureaucrats, technocrats, and even those outside government who may have more experience and knowledge about leadership. Let’s leave the space open. By the time we made the decision, we had to abide by it. That is why I said it is a delegation of responsibility to like-minded people. Our party must do something different to show that we are not a party of grandstanding individuals who feel it is their birthright to continue leading the country when we have 250 million people, including those who are knowledgeable, driven by experience, and guided by global best practices. At this time, we decided to change the trajectory of leadership recruitment in a manner that builds consensus and opens the space for the best among us to emerge. We knew this was the time for a southerner to be President. He has just done four years, and the second tenure will be theirs. If we are contesting, we need somebody strong, or stronger than him, from the South to give him a fight for his life, because the government of the day is not working well. So, we must seize the opportunity to create, provide, and present a credible candidate that is marketable. The situation is germane for us to take over power, and we need to navigate very cautiously and intelligently.
Seyi Makinde is the presidential candidate, while Bala Mohammed is the running mate. Is that the game plan?
No, that is not what we are planning. I have learnt these things because I worked closely with the President when I was Minister of the FCT. When we came back in 2011 and formed a government, the President had the opportunity to choose his vice president. I am not withdrawing because I want to prepare myself for the vice presidency. Of course, if it is within the judgment of our party leaders and the presidential candidate to choose me, I am ready. However, if I am not given the opportunity, as I have publicly stated, I am prepared to support the party’s presidential candidate from the South. The issue is to win the election with someone acceptable, someone who has stepped out and is well-known. If there are better candidates, so be it. There are many positions in the presidency. We are changing the narrative because we don’t want to be like those who are constantly accused of self-interest in their pursuit of candidacy. I am not one of them. If Seyi or another person emerges, I will give my maximum support for the person to become President. Seyi and I have never discussed pairing, but we have spoken about taking over power by the grace of God to give Nigerians good governance from 2027 onward.
As a second-term governor, a former federal lawmaker, and a former minister, what do you think about the pairing? Can a Seyi Makinde–Bala Mohammed ticket match Bola Tinubu–Kashim Shettima’s ticket?
It can match, even better. It depends on what Nigerians want. If they want a continuation of this clueless administration, then it is their choice. But Nigerians have seen the pedigree and capacity of Seyi and me, both at the subnational level and in our leadership records. It is not only Seyi—many others may be good vice presidents. What we are saying is that this time around, if Nigerians sell this option, they should be given the opportunity. There are many names people mention in this context. All these narratives will form part of the party’s judgment when the presidential candidate emerges. We have not narrowed down to any individual yet. Everybody should know PDP is open. It is up to the South to bring someone forward. With all humility, we don’t want to make the mistake the APC made in 2023 with its Muslim-Muslim ticket. We need a Christian from the South as a presidential candidate, so he can lead the Christian southerners and then pick a majority Muslim from the North as vice. We must avoid the cul-de-sac that the APC fell into, which ignored diversity and national feelings. We will take these factors into account.
Was it the idea of the governors’ caucus that the ticket should be zoned to the South?
Yes, it was the idea of the governors. We have always networked through our meetings and peer review mechanisms. At our Zamfara meeting, we discussed extensively the state of the nation. To close ranks, we resolved to act without hesitation. We will not allow APC to divide us. The better we come together and pick someone, whether within or outside our ranks, the stronger we will be. Seyi is remarkable at teamwork, and even if he is not chosen, he will give way. Most of us governors are in agreement.
The Zamfara agenda has generated a few notable names, including former President Goodluck Jonathan. Some in your party say that if you push for him, you may face legal and constitutional hurdles. Is PDP considering bringing Jonathan back, despite Section 133 of the Constitution and the amendment signed by President Buhari?
I am not a lawyer but a politician. We are looking for individuals with pedigree, those who are well-loved. Former President Jonathan was blackmailed with falsehood, but today he is one of the most celebrated politicians in Nigeria. His record of improving Nigerians’ quality of life stands out compared to what we have today. The accusations against him were merely a political ploy. Even when he was seeking a third term, which would have required him to be sworn in three times if he had won, the court ruled on the issue and cleared him. Therefore, any amendment made will not affect him. The law is not an ass. It should not be used to stop someone from exercising their rights, especially when there is an existing court judgment. This should be left to the courts. Political opportunists should not weaponise it. Jonathan remains a candidate we are considering, should he choose to run. Even people like former Governor Obi, if he comes to a better platform without encumbrances, will be given the opportunity.
Are you courting Obi? Are PDP governors inviting him? Is the conversation active?
Yes, we are.
I am talking about Peter Obi.
Have you not seen him with me several times? He is my brother and friend, and one of the most celebrated politicians today. You saw him in our coalition. We are not sleeping. We don’t make noise. I also had a session with former Governor Amaechi. I am working to bring people together and unite them around the party.
Is there a possibility of Amaechi returning to the PDP?
Yes, if he wants to come back, he is free.
When you spoke with Peter Obi, did he agree to return to the PDP?
That decision is for Peter Obi, not me. But I have discussed with him. I told him PDP is open. Celebrated politicians who can add value to our presidential drive in 2027 are welcome. I have spoken to many people, including former President Jonathan. I was the first to say, if he runs, I will not run. I also talked to Seyi Makinde, who is within us, and he has never said it is a matter of life and death for him to run. We are free to seek out people who will add value and present themselves if they wish.
The zoning decision has split opinions in the North. As governor of a northern state and leader of PDP governors, what bridge-building efforts are you making with aggrieved northern caucuses?
This is a figment of imagination. Yes, some of my supporters were unhappy with my stance. But they must learn this is the way of live-and-let-live. The presidency is not about tribe or region. Some in my camp questioned my decision, but I am advising them. It is manageable. The North is politically sensitive, but they know we are acting in good faith, with sincerity of purpose. They know we have contributed much.
With this zoning arrangement, should the candidate win, would he serve only one term?
We will determine that later as a caucus. But we must begin to de-emphasise regional entitlement. What Nigerians lack is good governance, someone who can take us on a collective journey beyond insecurity and economic mismanagement is needed. However, if it is Jonathan, he will certainly not run for a second term. If it is Seyi or Obi, they have the right to run again. But if they agree to one term, it will reassure doubters. Ultimately, it will be our collective caucus decision.
Your party has faced internal wrangling. Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo have left…
Membership is at the discretion of each individual. Some, like Jonathan, are now politicians. Sambo remains active. Atiku left over leadership issues. But wherever you go in Nigeria, you will meet problems.
Some say you are working for Tinubu and the APC. Is that true?
We are not working for Tinubu. We are working sleeplessly to rebuild PDP. The APC government is engaging in politicking, rather than governing—placing billboards, flouting INEC guidelines, and creating problems for opposition parties. We are conscious of these challenges. It is not yet ‘Uhuru’. We await the implementation of INEC reforms to guide our next steps. We will not take the law into our hands but will use wisdom and tact to navigate.
