Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the 16 northern states have called on Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to hasten and declare his interest to contest the 2023 presidential elections.
Chairman of the Presidential Contact Committee of the governor, Senator Adamu Ibrahim Gumba, stated this in Bauchi on Friday while presenting the report of his committee to the governor at the Banquet Hall, Government House Bauchi.
The Chairman of the committee said after the inauguration of the committee on the 15th August 2021, it visited PDP leaders all over the northern part of the country, with the exception of three states.
He said that different personalities, organisations, youths and women groups and ordinary citizens on the streets intensify calls for Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir to contest the presidency in 2023.
“In addition to your qualifications, courage and antecedents as FCT Minister and your role for spearheading the doctrine of necessity that safe this country from collapse in the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly make you a qualified candidate for the presidency.
“The committee gathered and took into cognisance the views and opinions of PDP leaders and members alike; the opinions gathered are adequate enough for you to make a decision.
“PDP members backed the idea that the next president of Nigeria should come from the north, adding that the Northeast and Central are the most qualified regions of the country.
“Jigawa, Kano and Sokoto states made a special request that other contestants from other parts of the country should be allowed contest so that the PDP can come out with the best candidate,” he said.
Senator Gumba said Adamawa PDP leadership express support for the candidacy of Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, however, expressed a preference for their kit and kin, Atiku Abubakar, insisting that the two giants from the Northeast should sit between themselves and reach a consensus so the Northeast can present a single most qualified candidate.
Responding, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed commended the support he received from PDP leaders across the North, which is his immediate constituency.
The Governor said despite the report of his Presidential Contact Committee, he still needs more time to make further consultations with critical stakeholders of not only the PDP but also elder statesmen.
He said even Atiku Abubakar is also a qualified candidate to lead Nigeria comes 2023, the former Vice President has given so much to Nigeria, as a result, fatigue and age have overtaken him.
The Governor said Nigeria has never been so divided as now, adding that care must be observed in the buildup to the 2023 general elections in the country.
