Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has revealed that he gave up his presidential ambition to allow the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zone its 2023 presidential ticket to the South.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, the Bauchi governor, who is also the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, said he fully supported the decision of the party to maintain its zoning arrangement, especially as it relates to unity, fairness, and national balance.
“I am very satisfied with the resolution because I was part of it — from the arrangement, strategy, to the final decision,” Mohammed said.
The governor explained that the PDP’s choice to zone its presidential ticket to the South-South was aimed at strengthening internal democracy, promoting inclusiveness, and maintaining peace and unity within the party.
Zoning has been a long-standing tradition in Nigeria’s political system, especially within the major political parties. It is an informal agreement aimed at rotating key positions including the presidency between the North and South, in order to give all regions a sense of belonging.
Governor Mohammed said PDP’s decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South, particularly the South-South, was a step toward rebuilding the party and strengthening national unity.
“It’s an all-inclusive decision for us to have our National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, and to sustain the existing zoning formula, both for party offices and the presidential ticket,” he explained.
He noted that this decision was not just about politics but about the future of Nigeria.
“We zoned the presidential office to the South-South so that we can have some sanity, understanding, and unity,” he added.
Governor Mohammed also used the opportunity to remind Nigerians that politics should not be based solely on personal ambition, but on collective goals and national development.
“Politics is not about personal interest,” he said. “It’s about self-actualization within the framework of party decisions, the party’s manifesto, and national development.”
He stressed that real leadership requires sacrifice, and that true leaders must sometimes set aside their personal ambitions for the good of the party and the country.
“Everything is predicated on sacrifice, not interest. We must always give allowance, respect each other, and remember that power comes from God,” the governor said.
Governor Mohammed reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and pledged to continue working with other leaders to return the party to power. He praised the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BoT), and fellow governors for their collective commitment to rebuilding the party.
“As governors, and along with the NWC and BoT, we are always available to work towards making sure that PDP remains the darling of Nigerians,” he said.
He added that the party is focused on giving all Nigerians, regardless of region or background, the political space and freedom to express their aspirations.
“We want to create room for everyone to come in and actualize their political dreams under the PDP,” he stated.
Governor Bala Mohammed was one of several Northern PDP leaders speculated to have presidential ambitions ahead of the 2023 general elections. However, in the lead-up to the party’s primaries, pressure mounted within the party to respect zoning arrangements and rotate the presidential ticket to the South, given that the last PDP president, Goodluck Jonathan, came from the South and was succeeded by Muhammadu Buhari from the North under the APC.
Mohammed’s decision to step aside is being viewed by many political observers as a move to strengthen party unity and reduce tensions between regional blocs within the PDP.
Party insiders say his stance has further improved his image within the party and may position him for future leadership roles, both in the PDP and at the national level.
Though the 2023 elections are over, Governor Mohammed’s comments reflect ongoing conversations within Nigeria’s political space as parties begin preparing for 2027. Zoning, regional balance, and unity remain key issues, and PDP leaders are already working to ensure the party is in a strong position for future contests.
Mohammed concluded by calling on Nigerians to continue supporting the PDP, promising that the party remains committed to fairness, justice, and national progress.
