BAUCHI: Fresh indications have emerged that the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, may soon defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with sources within the party suggesting the move could be announced shortly after the Ramadan fast.
Party insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that consultations are already underway as the governor engages key political stakeholders ahead of a possible announcement.
According to one source familiar with the discussions, pressure has been mounting on Mohammed to leave the PDP amid the party’s internal crisis and widening divisions among its leadership.
“There are signals already within the party structure that the governor is preparing to move. The pressure on him has increased compared to what it was before,” the source said.
Another insider revealed that discussions are ongoing to ensure that major political actors within the governor’s camp are adequately consulted before any final decision is announced.
The source added that Mohammed had ruled out joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and was also unwilling to reconcile politically with former Rivers State governor and former minister, Nyesom Wike, amid the continuing divisions within the PDP.
“He told us he would not go to the ADC, and he is not ready to reconcile with Wike in the fragmented PDP. The direction he is heading is the APC, the insider said.
While the exact date for the formal announcement remains unclear, the source suggested that the declaration could come during the celebrations marking the end of Ramadan
The possible defection appears to contrast with Mohammed’s earlier public statements in which he criticised the ruling APC and insisted he would not be pressured into joining the party.
On several occasions, the governor had argued that the APC’s economic policies had worsened Nigeria’s economic conditions.
During a previous meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mohammed told journalists that his discussions with the president did not involve any conversation about defecting from the PDP.
However, political observers believe the ongoing crisis within the opposition party may be influencing a reassessment of his political future.
Sources also indicated that Mohammed, who contested the PDP presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, may be considering a bid for the Bauchi South senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
If he pursues that path, analysts say aligning with the ruling party could strengthen his chances politically.
However, history suggests the race could prove challenging. Two of Mohammed’s predecessors as Bauchi governor Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu and Isa Yuguda both attempted to secure senatorial seats after leaving office but were unsuccessful.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the governor’s office did not yield results at the time of filing the report.
Mohammed’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, did not respond to enquiries regarding the alleged defection plan.
However, a member of the state executive council reportedly confirmed that discussions were ongoing at the highest political level.
“There are conversations happening at the top. Once they conclude, we will know the direction. But wherever the governor goes politically, we will follow him,” the cabinet member said.
If the defection eventually materializes, it could significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape by further strengthening the APC’s hold on state governments.
The move would also deal another blow to the PDP, which has struggled with internal disputes and defections since losing power at the federal level in 2015.
Observers say Mohammed’s decision could influence political alignments in the North-East and may trigger further realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
For now, however, party insiders say the governor is continuing consultations and weighing his options before making any formal announcement.
