Earl Osaro Onaiwu, the founding Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has praised Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for demonstrating loyalty and statesmanship by shelving his presidential ambition and aligning with the party’s decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
Onaiwu described Mohammed’s decision as a clear reflection of commitment to party unity, stressing that such loyalty is critical for rebuilding trust and cohesion within the PDP.
“Governor Bala Mohammed has shown that he is a loyal and faithful party man. By respecting the zoning arrangement and supporting a southern candidate, he has demonstrated the spirit of sacrifice and dedication that our party urgently needs,” Onaiwu said.
He further cautioned politicians and “busy bodies” from rival political parties against interfering in the internal affairs of the PDP, urging them to focus on addressing their own internal crises.
“ In 2023, when the ticket was zoned to the North, we all worked together irrespective of differences. Now that the party has zoned the presidency to the South, everyone must rally behind that decision and work collectively for victory,” he added.
Onaiwu also reflected on the PDP’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, stating that the party’s decision to abandon its traditional zoning formula by fielding a northern candidate contributed to its electoral loss.
“ The PDP lost the 2023 presidential election because we jettisoned our zonal arrangement. That mistake must never be repeated if the party truly wants to reclaim power,” he emphasized.
The former PDP Governors’ Forum DG lamented the prolonged divisions within the party, warning that disunity has weakened its strength and electoral fortunes over the years.
He called for immediate reconciliation and unity among party members to reclaim its place as the leading political platform in Nigeria.
“The PDP has been fragmented for too long. It is time to close ranks, put the party first, and rescue Nigeria from the calamity and misrule of the APC,” Onaiwu stressed.
He concluded by expressing optimism that with unity, discipline, and loyalty to party decisions, the PDP can return to power and deliver quality leadership to Nigerians.
