A coalition in Bauchi State loyal to Governor Bala Mohammed has called for his consideration as the running mate to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, amid growing speculation over the governor’s possible defection to the All Progressives Congress.
The group, operating under the banner of Kaura Diehard Supporters, disclosed its position in a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman, Mustafa Duguri, and made available to journalists in Bauchi.
Duguri described Mohammed as a transformational leader with proven political value, noting that his track record in infrastructure development and governance makes him well-suited for the office of Vice President.
He said the governor had recorded significant progress in Bauchi State through people-oriented policies, earning recognition as one of the most outstanding leaders in the North-East region.
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According to him, Mohammed’s willingness to align with the ruling party, despite prevailing challenges, demonstrates loyalty and commitment deserving of the vice-presidential slot.
“Governor Bala has carved a niche for himself as a performing leader in the North-East. We are confident that he has the capacity to deliver the region for the President in 2027,” Duguri stated.
The group also highlighted the governor’s infrastructural strides, adding that his performance had prepared him for higher national responsibility.
It further revealed plans to mobilise massive grassroots support, including a proposed 10-million-man march, in backing a Tinubu/Mohammed joint ticket in the 2027 polls.
The development comes amid ongoing political realignments in Bauchi State, as Mohammed is yet to formally declare his intention to join the APC but has intensified engagements with party leaders.
Recently, the governor hosted the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, alongside Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, during a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Bauchi.
However, his planned defection has continued to generate mixed reactions within the APC in the state.
A caucus of the party, led by the senator representing Bauchi North Senatorial District, Sama’ila Dahuwa, had earlier rejected the governor’s proposed admission into the party.
Speaking after a meeting in Abuja, Dahuwa said the caucus unanimously resolved to oppose Mohammed’s entry, citing concerns over his past criticisms of the President and the APC.
“In view of the foregoing, the caucus firmly holds that his admission into the APC at this time will be detrimental to the party’s cohesion, credibility, and electoral prospects in Bauchi State,” he said.
In a twist, the governor later hosted APC members of the House of Representatives from Bauchi State at his Abuja residence as part of ongoing consultations.
A member representing Toro Federal Constituency, Dabo, said the meeting was convened to engage party stakeholders, adding that discussions would continue.
Subsequently, following a stakeholders’ meeting of the Bauchi APC in Abuja, Dabo disclosed that party members had agreed to receive the governor into the party.
He explained that the caucus briefed the larger house on discussions with Mohammed, stressing the need to align with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dabo added that the party’s national leadership had urged members to embrace unity and welcome the governor, assuring that other concerns would be addressed after his defection.
