In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has shed light on his decision to drop his deputy, Senator Baba Tela, as his running mate. The governor attributed his choice to the complexities of political permutations.
This revelation was made during a valedictory State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday.
Governor Mohammed emphasized that despite the decision, there was no discord between him and Senator Tela. He said, “Certainly, I don’t have any qualms with him (Tela), he is my brother even before we came here, he had been a friend. Nobody should go with the impression that we are not together, it is just the issue of political permutations and so on and so forth.”
The Governor further elaborated that the cabinet forms the engine room of his administration, and even though he won’t be running with his deputy for the second term, Senator Tela still remains an integral part of his administration due to their shared political affiliations.
For the forthcoming elections, Governor Mohammed has chosen Hon Auwal Jatau, the current member representing Zaki Federal Constituency, as his new running mate.
The governor commended his team for their exemplary service over the past four years and encouraged them to forgive any perceived slights. He said, “Let us find it in our hearts to forgive one another because there is no way we would not have offended one another. I have forgiven you, you too should find it in your hearts to forgive my shortcomings, they were done in the best interest of the state.”
