The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said he has put his presidential ambition on hold in the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party, the unity and progress of Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists in Bauchi following the party’s decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South and retain the chairmanship position in the North, the governor said he made the sacrifice to uphold party discipline and give others a fair opportunity to pursue their aspirations.

“My ambition is not bigger than Nigeria, and certainly not bigger than the party. If I don’t become President, I have held many positions in the past, and I am grateful for that,” he said.

The governor said there was a need for Nigerian politicians to set aside personal interests in favour of collective progress.

“I want Nigerians to understand that politics is not about personal ambition. It is about self-actualisation within the framework of party decisions, party manifestos, and national development.

“Everything must be built on sacrifice, not self-interest. We must live and let live, respect each other, and recognise that power ultimately comes from God,” he said.

He assured that leaders within the party, including governors, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and the Board of Trustees, were united in their commitment to making the PDP a party of choice for Nigerians, and would always provide a political space for everyone to pursue their dreams.

Governor Mohammed also noted that he had no complaints about the zoning decision, having been fully involved in the deliberations that led to the outcome.

“I am very satisfied with the resolution. I was part and parcel of the discussions from the strategic planning to the final decisions. It was an all-inclusive process.

“Most importantly, we resolved to maintain the current zoning formula for party offices and to zone the presidential ticket to the South. This will help bring about greater unity, understanding, and stability within the party,” he said.

On Monday, the party zoned its presidential slot to the southern part of the country.

It also insisted that the chairmanship position would be retained by a northerner.

This decision was reached as party leaders held their National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

The NEC also affirmed Umar Damagum as its National Chairman.

Mohammed had also appealed to a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, to return to the PDP.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by Obi at the government house, Bauchi, the governor had said, “We want you to come back to PDP. Please come back, that is where you belong. Don’t go to where there is disarray,” the governor said. (Channels TV)