Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, has dismissed claims that he is plotting to position himself as a vice-presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that his focus is on ensuring the opposition party reclaims power.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, August 28, Mohammed described recent speculation of a joint ticket with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as “baseless gossip” meant to create unnecessary tension within the party. He maintained that no such arrangement had been discussed.
“I am not preparing myself for a vice-presidential slot. If, by consensus, the leaders of our party and the eventual presidential candidate decide otherwise, I will serve loyally. But I am not lobbying for it. My commitment is to strengthen the PDP and return Nigeria to the path of good governance,” Mohammed said.
The governor stressed that the PDP had learnt valuable lessons from the 2023 election and is determined not to repeat the mistakes of zoning disputes and internal wrangling that weakened the party. He emphasized that the party is open but strongly tilting towards presenting a credible candidate from the South, preferably a Christian, to balance Nigeria’s religious and regional sensitivities.
He added that contrary to insinuations, his relationship with Governor Seyi Makinde remains cordial and focused on unity of purpose. “I and Seyi have never discussed pairing. What we have discussed is how to collectively take power from the ruling APC in 2027 and restore the confidence of Nigerians in leadership,” he clarified.
Mohammed, who previously served as Minister of the FCT under former President Goodluck Jonathan, also highlighted the need for PDP leaders to remain selfless, warning against personal ambition overriding the party’s collective goal. “Nigeria is too fragile for us to gamble with divisive politics. PDP must show that it has learnt and matured from past mistakes,” he noted.
The Bauchi governor has recently emerged as a key voice within the PDP, especially in debates about restructuring, security, and economic revival. His latest comments come at a time when internal pressure is mounting on the party to reveal its zoning framework and strategy for the 2027 elections.
As the countdown to the polls begins, Bala Mohammed’s message is clear: he is not chasing a VP ticket but aligning himself with a broader mission — to see the PDP bounce back as a credible alternative to the APC.
