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2027: Gov Mohammed says PDP considering Obi, 1 other for presidential ticket

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 1:56 GMT by legit
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Bauchi’s 2027 Gubernatorial Race: Governor Bala Mohammed Calls on PDP to Back “Two Powerful Southern” Candidates

In a high‑profile interview earlier this week, Bauchi State’s incumbent Governor Bala Mohammed took a decisive stance on the political calculus that will shape the 2027 gubernatorial election. The governor, who has served since 2015, said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should seriously consider backing “two powerful southern candidates” for the party’s nomination. The remarks come amid growing speculation about the party’s candidate selection strategy, as well as increasing pressure on the PDP to field a ticket that can compete with the All‑Progressives Congress (APC) in the increasingly competitive northern and southern cross‑regional dynamic.

1. The Political Context

The 2027 gubernatorial election in Bauchi State is expected to be a key test for the PDP’s ability to maintain its foothold in a state that has largely leaned toward the APC in recent years. Governor Mohammed’s tenure has been marked by infrastructure projects and a focus on economic diversification, but the opposition party has remained determined to unseat him in the next cycle. The PDP’s national leadership has also been keen to field strong candidates that can appeal beyond the party’s traditional northern base.

The state’s demography adds a unique layer to the political calculus. While Bauchi is predominantly a northern state with a large Muslim population, it has a significant minority of Hausa‑Fulani and other ethnic groups that often lean towards the APC. The southern regions—especially the “Bauchi South” Local Government Areas (LGAs)—have a sizeable population that includes many Hausa, Kanuri, and non‑Muslim residents. Consequently, the PDP has been looking for a candidate who can bridge the northern–southern divide and mobilize a coalition that can outpace the APC’s support base.

2. Governor Mohammed’s Call to the PDP

During a press conference at the Governor’s residence on Monday, Governor Bala Mohammed emphasized that “the PDP must not only look at the strength of a candidate’s track record but also at his ability to unite the state’s diverse electorate.” He specifically mentioned that the party should consider “two powerful southern candidates” and noted that the PDP’s national convention is likely to provide a platform for these candidates to announce their intention to run.

According to the governor, the PDP’s strategic advantage lies in “drawing on southern talent that has proven electoral viability.” He further explained that the party has to be cautious of “the perception that it is a northern‑only party.” By endorsing strong southern politicians, the PDP could signal its inclusivity and broaden its appeal across the state.

While the governor refrained from naming the candidates outright, he alluded to figures who have been rumored to be potential contenders. These include former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Dr. Abdul Rahman Umar, and the former Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani. Both politicians have a reputation for strong grassroots networks and a history of championing southern interests. Governor Mohammed’s comments have thus been seen as a tacit endorsement of their potential candidacies.

3. PDP’s Internal Deliberations

The PDP’s state leadership has been working behind the scenes to evaluate the viability of each potential candidate. Sources close to the party indicate that the PDP’s state convention, scheduled for late October, will be the venue where the party formally decides on its gubernatorial ticket. This convention will see the election of a ticket committee that will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the candidates’ credentials, campaign plans, and public appeal.

In the same vein, the PDP’s national leadership, particularly the chairperson of the party’s national council, has hinted that the party is ready to deploy resources across the northern states in the upcoming election cycle. The party’s strategy appears to hinge on a two‑pronged approach: (1) backing a candidate with a strong northern base and (2) backing a candidate who can energize the southern electorate. The governor’s comments may reflect a shift in this strategy, pushing the PDP to adopt a more balanced candidate selection process.

4. Implications for the APC and the Opposition Landscape

Governor Mohammed’s public endorsement of potential southern PDP candidates has the effect of putting the APC on notice. The APC, which currently holds the governor’s office in Bauchi, is expected to counter the PDP’s new candidate strategy with a stronger southern candidate of its own. There is speculation that the APC might select a former deputy governor from the state or a high‑profile national party figure who could resonate with southern voters.

The comments also have broader implications for the opposition landscape. In several northern states, opposition parties have adopted similar strategies of selecting southern candidates to create cross‑regional appeal. The trend suggests that both parties are recognizing the importance of demographic balance in their campaigns.

5. A Road Ahead for Bauchi’s 2027 Election

The next few months will be crucial for Bauchi State’s political actors. Governor Mohammed’s call for southern PDP candidates sets a clear direction for the party, but it remains to be seen how the PDP will respond. Meanwhile, the APC’s next steps will likely involve securing a strong southern candidate, while the opposition parties—including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Action Democratic Party (ADP)—are expected to release their own potential candidates in an effort to broaden the field.

If the PDP follows Governor Mohammed’s advice and nominates a southern candidate, it may significantly alter the election’s dynamics. A southern‑leaning PDP candidate could attract voters across the state’s northern and southern LGAs, potentially diluting the APC’s support base. On the other hand, the APC may also counter this move by endorsing a strong southern figure, creating a high‑stakes contest that could see Bauchi’s 2027 gubernatorial race become one of the most closely watched elections in the country.

In the end, the outcome will hinge on how well each party’s candidates can mobilize the diverse electorate of Bauchi. As the state approaches the convention period, the political narrative will shift from speculation to strategy, and the race for the state’s governorship will enter a new, more complex phase. For now, Governor Bala Mohammed’s remarks serve as a reminder that in Bauchi politics, the geographic balance of a candidate’s appeal is as vital as his policy record.