Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has dismissed reports linking him to a proposed presidential ticket with former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that his political ambition is focused solely on representing Bauchi South Senatorial District.
The governor’s clarification followed growing speculation on social media that he had been selected as a potential running mate to Jonathan, who was recently adopted as the presidential candidate of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki.
The rumours gained momentum after Jonathan emerged as the faction’s flag bearer during a special national convention held in Abuja on Saturday.
Although the former president was not physically present at the convention, his certificate of return was received on his behalf by Bayelsa lawmaker Fred Agbedi.
Political discussions intensified shortly after the convention when Nuhu Sada, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), claimed in a post on X that reports indicated Mohammed could be paired with Jonathan for the 2027 presidential race.
The speculation quickly spread across political circles, prompting questions about the Bauchi governor’s next political move following his recent departure from the PDP.
However, Mohammed moved swiftly to distance himself from the reports, describing them as unfounded and inaccurate.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Sunday, the governor said he remains committed to pursuing a senatorial seat rather than any vice-presidential ambition.
“Thank you for your interest in my political aspirations.
”However, for the sake of clarity, my focus remains firmly on contesting for the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM),” he wrote.
The governor further urged members of the public and political observers to disregard any contrary claims regarding his future political plans.
“Any reports suggesting a different political course should be disregarded as speculative and inaccurate,” he added.
Mohammed’s statement appears aimed at ending speculation surrounding his possible involvement in broader coalition arrangements ahead of the next general election.
The Bauchi governor recently left the Peoples Democratic Party for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), citing the prolonged leadership crisis and internal disagreements that have continued to affect the opposition party.
His defection was widely regarded as one of the most significant political realignments in the North-East ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, attention remains focused on the activities of the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP faction, which formally adopted Jonathan as its presidential candidate despite ongoing disputes within the opposition landscape.
The emergence of Jonathan under the faction has continued to generate debate among political stakeholders, with analysts closely monitoring possible alliances and coalition talks that could reshape the political environment ahead of the next election cycle.
For now, however, Mohammed has made it clear that his immediate political objective is a return to the National Assembly through the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat, dismissing suggestions that he is part of any presidential ticket arrangement.
His latest remarks are expected to put to rest growing speculation over his role in emerging political coalitions as preparations for the 2027 general election gradually gather pace.
