Talks intensify as Bauchi gov delays ADC defection

The Peoples Democratic Party in Bauchi State has defended Governor Bala Mohammed’s apparent hesitation in joining the African Democratic Congress, following his recent announcement of plans to defect from the party.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Dayyabu Chiroma, said ongoing consultations were responsible for the delay, noting that the governor was carefully weighing his options to avoid making a wrong political move.

The governor, alongside Governor Seyi Makinde, backed Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led National Working Committee of the PDP, and both the high court and the appellate court voided the convention that brought in the leadership.

Following the Court of Appeal judgment, the party approached the Supreme Court for the final judgment.

The faction of the PDP backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, organised its convention on March 29, 2026, and elected officials.

The governor, during a meeting with the leadership of the ADC, led by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, announced that he would make his decision on the party to join open by Thursday.

He said a committee had been put in place to examine the political parties and advise on which one to join ahead of the 2027 race.

He was quoted to have said efforts to meet with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress were rebuffed, adding that he was not welcomed in the ruling party.

Mohammed disclosed that the ADC was his preferred destination as consultations on a possible defection continued.

Following the comment, the leadership of the APC, led by the national chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, visited him on Wednesday.

On Saturday, the governor constituted an exit committee to assess the implications of any potential defection and recommend the best course of action.

“Our leader, the governor, is concerned about his people. He is not going to make a decision that will hurt us. The hesitation may be due to ongoing consultations,” Chiroma told The PUNCH.

He maintained that the party remained united and strong despite the uncertainty surrounding the governor’s next political step.

“We are still in the PDP and strong, pending the recommendation of the committee,” Chiroma added.

According to him, the committee was expected to determine whether the party should proceed with defection or remain in the PDP, as well as recommend a preferred political platform if a move becomes necessary.

“The committee’s outcome—whether for defection or against it—and possibly the choice of political party, is what we are waiting for. For now, we are still together in the PDP,” he stated.

Speaking on Saturday after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House, the Bauchi State PDP Chairman, Samaila Burga, confirmed the constitution of the committee to examine the party’s position and explore the possibility of exiting the PDP as part of a broader political realignment.

Burga explained that the committee had been mandated to assess all available options and recommend a direction that would best serve the collective interest of party members and the state.

“The committee has been given the responsibility to prepare our collective position and explore the possibility of exiting the party, as well as aligning with another platform, based on what will best serve our interests,” he said.

He disclosed that the committee would be chaired by the Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, and would include key stakeholders across party and government structures.

According to him, members of the committee include representatives from the national and state assemblies, commissioners, party executives, and local government chairmen. Elected local government officials and other senior party figures are also included to ensure broad-based representation.

The Secretary to the State Government is to serve as secretary of the committee.