Governor Bala Mohammed’s political future has become the subject of intense speculation following a series of closed-door meetings at the Bauchi Government House. Reliable sources suggest the discussions may be linked to efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to dissuade him from defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The meetings came less than 24 hours after Mohammed, who chairs the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, hosted a delegation from the ADC led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal. That engagement fueled reports that the governor was preparing to leave the PDP, citing unresolved internal crises.
Speaking after the ADC meeting, Mohammed explained that reconciliation attempts within the PDP had failed despite multiple committees set up at both national and state levels. He said his camp had explored options, including the APC, but concluded they were not welcome there. “We have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked. We discovered that we are not wanted in the APC,” he stated.
Mohammed described the ADC as the most “welcoming and acceptable” platform among those consulted, though he stressed that discussions were ongoing. He said stakeholders were being engaged to avoid mistakes, adding that his team preferred alternatives to the APC because of the cold reception they received. “If they open up and say we should come to the APC, we will go, but for now, the preference is to move to the opposition party,” he remarked.
The governor’s comments highlight the depth of the PDP’s internal divisions, which have persisted despite repeated reconciliation efforts. His potential defection would represent a significant blow to the party, given his role as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and his influence in Bauchi State.
Political observers note that Mohammed’s moves could reshape alignments ahead of the 2027 elections. His engagement with the ADC signals growing interest in alternative platforms among politicians dissatisfied with the PDP and wary of the APC. The ADC, though smaller, has recently attracted attention as it positions itself to capitalize on discontent within larger parties.
The closed-door meetings at the Government House suggest that APC leaders are keen to prevent Mohammed’s defection, recognizing the potential impact on their own electoral calculations. However, the governor’s statements indicate that his camp remains unconvinced by overtures from the ruling party.
As consultations continue, Mohammed’s next steps will be closely watched. His decision could influence broader political strategies, not only in Bauchi but also at the national level, where both PDP and APC are grappling with internal challenges and shifting loyalties.
