Bauchi, Nigeria – Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has dismissed reports suggesting that he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists at the Government House in Bauchi on Wednesday, March 18, shortly after swearing in newly appointed permanent secretaries, Mohammed said claims of his defection were unfounded.
“They said that I had long defected. I have not moved,” he said.
The governor’s denial comes amid growing speculation about possible political realignments ahead of the next election cycle. Reports had suggested that he was in advanced discussions with the ruling APC regarding a potential defection.
According to earlier reports, discussions were said to include offers such as a senatorial ticket and other political incentives, although these claims remain unconfirmed. Sources also alleged that the governor had met with President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders to express interest in joining the party, though no official confirmation has been made.
There were also claims linking the speculation to legal challenges involving the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, who is facing terrorism and money laundering charges involving about N4.6 billion.
Meanwhile, the political landscape within the PDP continues to face internal tensions, raising concerns about the party’s stability ahead of 2027.
The party has been embroiled in a leadership dispute between factions aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and another group led by Kabiru Turaki (SAN). The dispute has led to parallel claims of leadership and control within the party.
Legal battles have further complicated the situation. A Federal High Court in Ibadan earlier nullified a PDP national convention that produced Turaki as chairman, ruling that it violated existing court orders. The court recognised a caretaker committee as the legitimate leadership of the party pending a valid convention.
The Court of Appeal later upheld that decision, affirming the nullification of the convention and restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising its outcome.
Turaki has since indicated plans to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court, as the PDP continues to grapple with internal divisions that could affect its chances in the 2027 elections if unresolved.
