Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress over the anticipated defection of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, as consultations intensify ahead of a possible switch from the Peoples Democratic Party.
- +APC divided over Bauchi gov’s defection moves
Findings indicate that while some stakeholders within the ruling party are quietly backing the governor’s move, others—particularly within the Bauchi chapter—are pushing back, citing political, strategic and trust concerns.
Findings indicate that while some stakeholders within the ruling party are quietly backing the governor’s move, others—particularly within the Bauchi chapter—are pushing back, citing political, strategic and trust concerns.
The development comes as Mohammed continues a series of high-level engagements with key APC figures at both state and national levels, fuelling speculation that his defection may only be a matter of time.
A member of the House of Representatives from Bauchi State, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that the governor had sustained consultations following a recent meeting with APC lawmakers from the state.
“Nothing is certain yet and we can’t discuss agreements and concessions for now,” the lawmaker said.
“But what I can tell you is that he is still speaking with APC stakeholders both at the Senate and national levels.”
He disclosed that federal lawmakers from Bauchi who recently met Mohammed at his Abuja residence had expressed readiness to work with him should he eventually cross over to the ruling party.
“Yes, they promised to support him if he switches to the APC,” he added.
The meeting, held last Wednesday night, brought together members of the Bauchi caucus in the House of Representatives and is widely seen as part of the governor’s broader political consultations ahead of a potential defection.
Speaking after the meeting, the member representing Toro Federal Constituency, Ismaila Dabo, described the engagement as “fruitful” and hinted at ongoing political realignments across the North-East and beyond.
“This is part of wider consultations. It ended on a positive note,” Dabo said, adding that discussions were continuing with other stakeholders within and outside the party, with a collective position to be announced at the appropriate time.
Although he stopped short of confirming an imminent defection, insiders say the frequency and intensity of the governor’s engagements point to a carefully calibrated move aimed at securing both acceptance and political leverage within the APC.
Mohammed’s political manoeuvring is unfolding against the backdrop of a deepening crisis within the PDP, which has triggered a wave of defections and internal discord in recent months.
The Bauchi governor, alongside his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, remains one of the few influential PDP governors yet to formally declare a shift, even as uncertainty continues to trail the party’s internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Before his renewed engagement with the APC, Mohammed was widely reported to have explored the possibility of aligning with the African Democratic Congress as part of an emerging opposition coalition.
However, his recent interactions with APC stakeholders suggest a shift in strategy, with the ruling party now appearing to be his preferred destination.
Sources within Bauchi’s political circle say the governor is weighing his options carefully, balancing political survival with long-term strategic positioning, particularly given the APC’s control of the Federal Government.
Despite the apparent momentum behind his planned defection, resistance is building within sections of the APC in Bauchi State.
A group operating under the banner of the APC Solidarity Group and Allied Associations openly opposed Mohammed’s entry into the party, warning that it could destabilise the party’s structure and erode its credibility.
In a statement jointly signed by its Director of Programmes and External Affairs, I.B. Muhammad, and Secretary, Abubakar Abdullahi, the group revealed that it had submitted a petition to the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, outlining reasons why the governor should not be admitted into the party.
“As the 2027 general elections approach, it has become necessary to carefully safeguard the strength, credibility and internal cohesion of the APC in Bauchi State,” the group stated.
It argued that admitting Mohammed into the party could trigger internal rivalries and weaken existing structures built by longstanding members.
Among the concerns raised were allegations of persistent public criticism of the APC and the administration of President Bola Tinubu by the Bauchi governor.
“Senator Bala Mohammed has consistently made public statements critical of the APC and the administration of President Bola Tinubu,” the statement noted.
The group also accused the governor of repeatedly blaming the APC-led Federal Government for the country’s economic hardship and security challenges, warning that such positions undermine the party’s image and could create trust deficits among members.
Other issues highlighted include what the group described as declining public goodwill towards the governor, concerns about his political reliability, and the potential for instability within the party if he is admitted.
