Bauchi State’s former Governor Bala Mohammed has promised to sacrifice his own presidential bid should former President Goodluck Jonathan decide to contest.
Although Mohammed spoke on Thursday after a non-governmental organisation (NGO) asked him to consider running for the presidency, former First Lady Patience Jonathan recently frowned at her husband’s return due to the stress of office.
While aspiring for a second tenure, Jonathan was defeated by Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.
However, Mohammed said Jonathan possessed experience and would do a good job of returning to manage Nigeria.
Speaking to those who came to egg him into the 2027 presidential race, the ex-Bauchi Governor said: “With regard to your call for me to present myself, I am still contemplating my chances as the leader of the opposition,” Channels Television quoted him as saying.
“I know there are good leaders within the PDP, especially my boss Goodluck Jonathan.
“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.
“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.”
