A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and businessman, Alh. Garba Noma, has dismissed claims that he endorsed an aspirant from Bauchi local government vying for the Bauchi State governorship seat in the 2027 election.

Noma, who said that he had been widely misquoted as endorsing his kinsman from Bauchi council to succeed Bala Mohammed, who is from Alkaleri local council in the next election, stated that he preferred any competent candidate from the PDP who might emerge from any part of the state.

The PDP chieftain, who is also a traditional titleholder in the Bauchi Emirate, controls influence within and outside the state. Noma’s endorsement of any aspirant at the moment will set the party ablaze ahead of the next poll.

Addressing select journalists at his Ramadan House Publishing Firm on Monday, Noma said, “I didn’t endorse anyone from Bauchi local government. I was misquoted. Someone asked me at a public function about the many aspirants from Bauchi local government, and what I said was, ‘May God give us,’ and that doesn’t mean I will not support any PDP candidate from other parts of Bauchi.

“I didn’t say any aspirant from another part of Bauchi should be denied the party’s ticket, but if someone from Bauchi local government emerged, it is a prayer, and I think it is wrong for me to say no.

“I have been saying before the governor and other stakeholders that may God give us the right person to lead the PDP in 2027. I have never said from Bauchi local government, but what would be bad if someone from Bauchi local government emerged as governor? (Someone from Bauchi LGA) is the closest person. I can be closer to anybody. But if I say that a Bauchi local government candidate should not emerge, I think it’s wrong.

“I need peace, and peace from my people first before any other person.”