Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed confidence that former President Goodluck Jonathan would excel in a future presidential role, highlighting the significant reforms introduced during Jonathan’s tenure.
Mohammed also praised the achievements of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing President Olusegun Obasanjo’s contributions to telecommunications, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“The only carriageways we have in the northeastern region are from the Obasanjo era,” Mohammed said.
The governor was responding to a non-governmental organization’s call for him to consider a presidential run in 2027. The organisation had awarded him the title of “Champion of Peace, Unity, and Development.”
In his response, Governor Mohammed affirmed that he would be open to any leadership role, provided that Jonathan is not also running.
“With regard to your call for me to present myself, I am still contemplating my chances as the leader of the opposition. I know there are good leaders within the PDP, especially my boss Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.
“I have always said that as long as Jonathan is around, I will not present myself for leadership of this country, unless he decides not to run. If we can persuade him to come forward, I will support him with my blood. Out of modesty, he is still not ready. I hope you will meet him and encourage him to run.”
Governor Mohammed expressed his belief that Jonathan would perform better than the current administration, citing Jonathan’s experience and inclusive approach.
“He will do a better job because he has the experience. We know the prices of things, we know the level of inflation. During Jonathan’s regime, he was inclusive, addressing issues like the Almajiri system and creating initiatives for unemployed youths. His leadership recruitment was exemplary. We need leaders like him—young people with energy, foresight, and drive.”
Regarding recent criticisms of President Tinubu following the end bad governance protest, Governor Mohammed stated that the criticisms were part of his responsibility to advise the Federal Government and the presidency.
He reaffirmed his respect for President Tinubu, saying his criticism was misunderstood. He said leaders at various levels including governors, have lapses and they all need to be driven by knowledge.
Governor Mohammed also issued a wake-up call for President Tinubu to address the issues or risk losing to the PDP in future elections.
“We believe in rotation, and it is the South’s turn to produce the president for eight years, but they must earn it.
“We bought into the idea of removing subsidies, including me, but if it is not working—if it is not putting food on the table or giving young people hope—we should reconsider it,” he concluded.