THE Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, has said the party will replace its defecting governors and members with stronger, more loyal, and better individuals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
News Point Nigeria reports that Mohammed stated this on Saturday in Abuja while speaking with journalists on the party’s preparedness for its elective national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.
The governor, who also heads the publicity sub-committee for the convention, admitted that the spate of defections by some PDP governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was concerning, but insisted the party would emerge stronger from the storm.
“If you ask me whether I’m concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden,” Mohammed said. “As a leader of a group of equals, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues. Certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.”
Mohammed’s assurance comes amid reports that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State is set to formally defect to the APC on Tuesday, following similar moves by the governors of Akwa Ibom and Delta States in recent months.
He accused the APC-led Federal Government of using state power to weaken the opposition and push Nigeria toward a one-party system.
“The leadership style of the APC-led federal government is to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” he said.
“I cannot say that my colleagues are wrong; they are free to do whatever they choose. But I have advised them that even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots are PDP and are not happy with the defections.”
Mohammed, however, expressed optimism that the PDP remains the platform Nigerians trust for credible leadership, noting that the party still commands widespread loyalty across the country.
“Sometimes defections happen because of political permutations and calculations. But I assure you I am not going anywhere. My state has no division; Bauchi is PDP and remains PDP. Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP,” he said.
The governor emphasized that the PDP, despite internal challenges, remains the only opposition party with a stable and functional leadership structure at the national level.
“Comparatively, most other parties are not better off than us. We are the only ones intact—with one National Chairman, one National Secretary, and one Publicity Secretary. We have kept our identity, our colors, our logo, and our manifesto since 1999. That shows stability and resilience,” he added.
On the fate of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has been the subject of intense political speculation, Mohammed clarified that Fubara remains a committed member of the PDP.
“Governor Fubara has not left the PDP; he is still with us. He is a humble young man who has endured a lot and is still working hard to unite his state. To me, he remains PDP and my deputy in the Forum,” Mohammed affirmed.
He also reacted to speculations surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan’s political future, saying that the PDP remains open to welcoming “big names” and experienced politicians back into its fold.
“People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy,” he said.
Expressing faith in the PDP’s ability to rebound, Mohammed said the party would use the forthcoming convention to consolidate unity, elect credible leaders, and prepare for victory in 2027.
“Nobody stops you from leaving; sometimes when people go, it creates space for new and better ones to emerge. Some of us who were underestimated have proved capable, and that will repeat itself in 2027. We will get new leaders who will defeat APC’s deceptive politics with sincerity and purpose,” he concluded.
The governor appealed for patience and solidarity among party members, assuring that internal reforms were ongoing to strengthen the PDP’s electoral machinery and restore public confidence.