Bauchi APC divided over Bala Mohammed’s proposed defection
The Bauchi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is sharply divided over plans to admit Governor Bala Mohammed into its fold, exposing deep fault lines within the party ahead of a possible political realignment in the state.
The disagreement came to the fore at a caucus meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, where party leaders expressed sharply contrasting views on the political and structural implications of the governor’s proposed defection.
In a bid to manage the differences, the caucus resolved to set up a high-powered committee to articulate a common position and engage the party’s national leadership on the matter.
The Acting Secretary of the caucus, Dabo Ismail, said the committee would define conditions under which the governor could be admitted, while ensuring that existing stakeholders in the state were not sidelined.
According to him, the panel would engage critical actors, represent the caucus in negotiations, and provide periodic updates on developments. He stressed that while the governor was not being shut out, the process must reflect the principles of internal democracy.
Ismail noted that Mohammed could be welcomed into the APC, but urged the party’s national leadership to carry state stakeholders along in any negotiations to avoid resentment and internal instability.
However, concerns over the handling of the matter dominated discussions at the meeting.
The chairman of the state APC caucus and senator representing Bauchi North, Sama’ila Dahuwa, voiced dissatisfaction with what members described as a lack of consultation.
“The omission is unacceptable,” the caucus said in a strongly worded position, warning against imposing decisions without broad-based engagement with key stakeholders at the state level.
According to the caucus, bypassing local party structures undermines inclusiveness and internal democracy, and could destabilise the party at a critical political moment.
Dahuwa disclosed that the committee comprises senior party figures, including a serving minister, former governors and two senators, underscoring the weight attached to the issue and the sensitivity surrounding the governor’s possible entry.
The caucus also resolved to formally communicate its concerns to the APC national leadership, insisting on due process in any integration of new entrants. It warned that a poorly managed defection process could alienate long-standing members and weaken party cohesion in the state.
Mohammed’s reported defection moves come against the backdrop of shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 general election and growing speculation about his next political platform.
A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a leading figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed has remained one of the party’s most influential voices in the North-East.
However, internal tensions within the PDP, coupled with evolving national coalitions, have fuelled speculation about a possible exit.
On March 31, 2026, the governor publicly indicated plans to leave the PDP for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move widely interpreted as part of broader opposition realignments. That declaration triggered fresh political calculations and renewed overtures from rival parties, including the APC.
“We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked,” Mohammed said at the time, adding that exploratory talks had extended to multiple parties.
His position drew further attention following a closed-door meeting at the Bauchi Government House involving the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf.
The meeting intensified speculation that the APC may be exploring a pathway to bring Mohammed into its fold, despite his earlier indication of interest in the ADC.
On April 4, the governor met with loyalists and PDP stakeholders, a development that led to the constitution of an exit committee by the PDP chairman in the state, Sama’ila Burga.
Speaking on Wednesday, the PDP Publicity Secretary, Dayyabu Chiroma, said the committee had three more days to complete its mandate.
“Whatever the decision is, we are with our governor. This is not just for loyalty; it is a debt we have to pay,” he said.
Also speaking, the Dass Local Government Coordinator of Kaura Media Forum, Yusuf Makama, described the development as part of the normal dynamics of politics.
For the APC in Bauchi, the prospect of admitting a sitting PDP governor presents both a strategic opportunity and a delicate dilemma.
While Mohammed’s entry could significantly strengthen the party’s electoral prospects in the state, it also raises concerns about the displacement of existing power structures and the future of loyal party members who have built the platform over time.
The unfolding situation underscores the complexity of pre-election alignments, where political advantage must be carefully balanced against party unity and long-term stability.