Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is engaging Peter Obi and former president, Goodluck Jonathan, to return and run in the 2027 elections.
Mohammed spoke on Thursday in an interview with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today.
His comment comes in the wake of the PDP’s decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the south.
Earlier this week, Abba Moro, senator representing Benue South, had confirmed that some members of the party have been engaging with Jonathan and Obi over a potential return to the PDP.
He also hinted that Obi could clinch the party’s presidential ticket in 2027 if he decides to return.
Mohammed, who is the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, said Jonathan remains “one of the most celebrated politicians today despite previous political blackmail against him” before the 2019 election.
The governor also stated that Obi, who ran under the umbrella of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, would be given a chance if he returns.
“But certainly, President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are thinking of, if he joins us and opens his mind to run,” he said.
“And even other people like Governor Obi, because if he decides to come to a better platform where there are no encumbrances, he will be given the opportunity too,” Bala said.
Asked whether the PDP governors were engaging Obi ahead of the 2027 election, he replied: “Have you not seen him with me? he’s my brother, my friend.”
“And of course, he’s one of the most celebrated politicians too. You see him within the coalition or no coalition. Definitely, we are not sleeping, only that we don’t make noise,” Mohammed added.
He noted that other southern politicians, including Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, are also free to contest the ticket.
“There are so many politicians. I even had a session with Governor Amaechi. I have not been sleeping,” the Bauchi governor said.
“I have to make sure I create a closing-of-rank for people to come and help.”
When asked about the possibility of Rotimi Amaechi returning to the PDP, the Bauchi governor replied: “Well, he’s free to if he wants to come back.”
Mohammed also said the PDP lost the 2023 election because it failed to zone the presidential ticket to the south.
