THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State has formally brought to an end its discussions with the All Progressives Congress (APC) after both parties failed to reach an agreement on the conditions required for a possible political realignment.
News Point Nigeria reports that the announcement was made on Saturday by the Bauchi State PDP Chairman, Sama’ila Burga, during a press briefing held at the party’s secretariat in the state.
Burga explained that despite a series of engagements involving Governor Bala Mohammed and other party officials, as well as high-level discussions that included the Vice President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and three former governors, the APC did not meet the conditions set by the PDP for the proposed alliance.
He emphasized that the move to initiate the discussions did not originate from the PDP, clarifying that the APC approached the party for the talks.
“We wish to clarify that the initiative for these discussions came from the APC. His Excellency graciously responded out of respect for the eminent personalities involved and in keeping with his commitment to dialogue and inclusiveness. The Governor, the PDP, and the people of Bauchi State participated in the engagements in good faith,” he said.
Addressing questions surrounding the reported 60-40 power-sharing formula, Burga confirmed that it formed part of the conditions that were ultimately rejected by the APC.
According to him, the proposal was not unique to Bauchi State, noting that similar arrangements had been adopted in other parts of the country where political defections occurred, with some instances even reflecting a 70-30 sharing structure.
“The issue of 60-40 sharing formulas does not emanate only from Bauchi state. Everywhere in the country where there was defection, this sharing formula was adopted; some were even 70–30. Because it would be wrong for a governor coming with a government, from councillors to himself, without having any control of the party, as such, this was the standard, but it was rejected,” he explained.
The PDP chairman further stated that following extensive consultations with party stakeholders, it became evident that the APC leadership was not willing to accept the outlined conditions, leaving the talks without a conclusive outcome.
He added that, in view of the deadlock, the discussions have now been formally discontinued.
Looking ahead, Burga disclosed that the PDP in Bauchi State, in consultation with Governor Bala Mohammed and other key stakeholders, is currently reviewing its political options.
He noted that these options include potential alignments with parties other than the APC, as the party seeks to determine the most appropriate path forward in the overall interest of the people of Bauchi State.
