Nigeria 2027: Bala Mohammed Urges PDP To Pick Southern Christian Candidate To Avert APC’s Mistake

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to field a Christian presidential candidate from the South in the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Mohammed said the PDP must avoid what he described as the “mistake” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023 when it opted for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“We have not settled on a particular candidate yet, but PDP is open,” the governor stated. “It is for the South to present someone, and we must ensure he is a Christian. That way, he can partner with a Muslim from the North as vice president. This is important because Nigeria is not yet at the point where religious and regional diversity can be ignored.”

Mohammed also dismissed reports suggesting a possible joint ticket with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

“That’s not our plan,” he said. “The presidential candidate should have the freedom to select his running mate. I am not preparing myself just for vice president. However, if the party and candidate find me worthy, I am ready, but I will also support any credible southern candidate chosen.”

In 2023, APC’s Bola Tinubu chose former Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate, a move widely criticized for promoting a same-faith ticket.

The PDP has already zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.