GOVERNOR of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has signalled a potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), naming the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as his preferred political platform amid intensifying internal crisis within the opposition party.
News Point Nigeria reports that the governor, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, made this known on Tuesday while hosting a high-powered delegation of the ADC at the Government House in Bauchi.
The delegation was led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and was said to be acting on the directive of the party’s national leadership.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting, Mohammed lamented the deepening divisions within the PDP, revealing that repeated efforts to reconcile aggrieved factions had failed.
“We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked,” the governor said.
He disclosed that committees were established at both national and state levels to explore possible solutions, including consultations with other political parties.
However, he noted that even attempts to engage the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) did not yield favourable outcomes.
“We explored all options, including even the APC, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there,” he added.
Against this backdrop, Mohammed said the ADC has so far proven to be the most welcoming and viable alternative.
“As of now, ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes,” he explained.
The governor hinted that consultations were ongoing and nearing completion, with a final decision expected imminently.
“We are very conscious of the timeline. Everything will be concluded by Thursday so that we can move forward together. You will hear a firm commitment from us,” he stated.
Mohammed also alleged that the lingering crisis within the PDP was being worsened by external interference, specifically pointing fingers at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to him, such influences have complicated reconciliation efforts and deepened divisions within the party.
He further disclosed that he had held meetings with key political figures, including leaders of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a bid to resolve the impasse, but those engagements failed to produce a lasting solution.
Earlier, Babachir Lawal said the ADC delegation’s visit was part of a broader strategy to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He explained that the move was initiated by the party’s leadership under former Senate President David Mark, aimed at strengthening the ADC as a credible alternative platform.
“The task of rescuing Nigeria in 2027 requires the unity of all well-meaning Nigerians. We are here to engage Governor Bala Mohammed because of his leadership qualities and political experience,” Lawal said.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing consultations would yield positive results, noting that the ADC is ready to accommodate the governor and his supporters.