The governor of Bauchi, Bala Mohammed has said he is considering a presidential bid but will give up his ambition should former President Goodluck Jonathan decides to contest.
He spoke on Thursday after a non-governmental organisation (NGO) asked him to deliberate on running for the presidency.
Mohammed said Jonathan has experience and would do a better job if he has the mandate to run the affairs of the country.
“With regard to your call for me to present myself, I am still contemplating my chances as the leader of the opposition,” Channels Television quoted him as saying.
“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.
“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.
“His leadership recruitment was exemplary. We need leaders like him—young people with energy, foresight, and drive.”
The Bauchi governor also said that his criticisms of the administration of President Bola Tinubu are part of his responsibility to help put the nation on the right path.