BREAKING: Gov Bala Mohammed in talks with Obi, Kwankwanso, declares Senate ambition

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has confirmed that he will announce his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) within one week, following prolonged internal turmoil that has unsettled the party’s leadership structure.

The governor’s planned exit comes in the wake of the nullification of the PDP’s Ibadan National Convention by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, a development that has deepened divisions within the opposition party and triggered fresh political calculations among its key stakeholders.

Investigations reveal that Mohammed has been actively engaging multiple political platforms as part of efforts to secure a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections. Among those that have made overtures is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose delegation, led by Babachir Lawal, visited the Bauchi Government House to persuade the governor to join its ranks.

The move, reportedly backed by the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, saw Mohammed describe the ADC as a “preferred platform” should he formally exit the PDP.

In a parallel development, the governor also held meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling a broad-based consultation across the political spectrum.

However, attempts to strike a deal with the ruling party reportedly collapsed over disagreements bordering on control of party structures and power-sharing arrangements.

Reacting to the failed talks, a factional PDP chairman in Bauchi aligned with Tanimu Turaki, Samila Adamu Burga, accused the APC of refusing to accommodate the governor’s political base within its framework.

Speaking in a BBC Hausa interview, Mohammed said his camp had accepted the Supreme Court judgment in good faith but stressed that the decision had left the party in a difficult position.

“As democrats and committed PDP members who respect the rule of law, we accept the judgment as the will of Allah. It is neither a total defeat for us nor a complete victory for the other side,” he said.

The governor noted that the court ruling effectively invalidated the existing party structure, leaving the Board of Trustees to oversee affairs pending the emergence of an interim leadership.

He also accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of playing a central role in the crisis, alleging that his actions weakened the PDP from within.

“We find ourselves in a difficult situation. Nyesom Wike and many of his associates are with the APC. His presence in the PDP was aimed at frustrating the party,” Mohammed said.

Citing time constraints and the urgency of preparing for upcoming elections, the governor disclosed that consultations were already underway with other political parties to enable his supporters secure tickets.

“The focus now is to identify a stable platform for our candidates to participate in the coming elections,” he added.

Mohammed further raised concerns about what he described as attempts to produce a sole presidential candidate, warning that such a development would undermine democratic competition.

Despite the unfolding developments, the governor ruled himself out of the 2027 presidential race, citing the party’s zoning arrangement that favours the South. Instead, he declared his intention to contest the Bauchi South senatorial seat.

“I am not contesting for the presidency… I will contest the Bauchi South senatorial seat to continue representing my people,” he said.

He also confirmed ongoing consultations with opposition heavyweights, including Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, amid renewed calls for a united opposition front.

While acknowledging the complexities of such alliances, Mohammed urged his supporters to remain calm, assuring aspirants that arrangements were being made to secure viable platforms for their political ambitions.

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