Governor Bala Mohammed has boosted to throw his full weight behind erstwhile president Goodluck Jonathan if, peradventure, the latter joins the 2027 presidential race.  

Mr Mohammed, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s governors’ forum, said if Mr Jonathan were persuaded to contest in the 2027 presidential election, he would support the ex-president.  

“With regard to your call for me to present myself, I am still contemplating my chances as the leader of the opposition. 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,” the Bauchi governor stated while responding to a group urging him to run for president in 2027.  

Citing Mr Jonathan’s experience and inclusive approach to economic reforms during his tenure, Mr Mohammed said he was optimistic Mr Jonathan would perform better than President Bola Tinubu if elected.  

“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,” Mr Mohammed explained. “His (Jonathan) leadership recruitment was exemplary. We need leaders like him—young people with energy, foresight, and drive.”

Mr Jonathan, was Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015.

However, his government was largely characterised as corrupt and weak.