The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed has replied former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, over his comment on the northern consensus candidates for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recall that the opposition party had announced former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Governor Mohammed as northern consensus candidates ahead of the 2023 presidential and general elections.
The decision, Tracknews understand was taken on Friday in Minna, Niger State.
Speaking on the development earlier, Northern Elders Forum spokesperson, Ango Abdullahi stated that the decision to select the duo was arrived at after they scaled the criteria for selection.
According to him, these criteria included candidates assessment, zonal assessment, and PDP previous experiences.
The development, however, was not appreciated by Lamido, Naija News understands.
Reacting on Saturday, the former governor said those who confirmed Saraki and Mohammed as consensus northern candidates for the PDP 2023 presidential ticket are only sharing their personal opinions.
According to Lamido, the NEF position doesn’t represent the opinion of PDP members from the north.
In a swift response to the former governor’s position, Governor Mohammed said it was a pity he (Lamido) was not consulted before the decision was taken.
Mohammed berated Lamido’s comment, stressing that the former state leader was entitled to his opinion.
According to him, the fact that Lamido was not consulted does not mean other members of the party were not reached out to before the endorsement.
Addressing reporters in Bauchi on Saturday, the Governor said, “People may take it as something that is influenced.
“I have tremendous respect for Alhaji Sule Lamido as a former Governor and who is leading former Governors. He is entitled to his opinion.
“It’s a pity if he was not consulted or if he was not contacted but certainly, he is not the only person in Northern Nigeria.”
