After failing to secure the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state is set to regain the governorship ticket of the opposition party to enable him to contest for a second term.
This came as the PDP Governorship Candidate in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Kashim suddenly withdrew from the race Tuesday, possibly to make way for Governor Mohammed.
Mohammed, who was elected governor of Bauchi in 2019, was one of the contenders who lost the PDP 2023 presidential ticket to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at the primaries of the opposition party at the weekend.
He has since returned to Bauchi and is set to regain the gubernatorial ticket of the party from the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ibrahim Kashim, who was now withdrawn from the race.
Kashim polled 655 votes from the 656 total accredited delegates that participated at the governorship primary election in spite the fact that the former SSG did not campaign for the position.
Reports has it that Kashim won the primary as a proxy of Governor Mohammed and will not hesitate to surrender the PDP governorship ticket if the presidential adventure of Mohammed failed.
This was indeed confirmed on Tuesday by PDP spokesman in Bauchi, Malam Yayanuwa Zainabari, who told a news conference that Kashim has now withdrawn from the plum race, citing personal reasons.
He said the PDP would soon follow due process to replace Kashim.
“We shall make our position known within this week.
“The only option left for the party is to forward the name of his replacement to INEC for proper documentation,’’ he said.
Zainabari added that the party would replace Kashim with another competent, loyal and qualified member either through a fresh primary election or through affirmation as required by the party’s Constitution and the relevant laws.
But in spite of such attempt at obfuscation, there is no doubt that the ticket is going back to Mohammed who will now be given the opportunity to run for second term.
