Bauchi Governor Bala Signals Possible Defection to ADC Amid PDP Crisis
Governor Bala Mohammed has indicated that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is his preferred destination as he considers leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over lingering internal disputes.
The governor, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, made this known on Tuesday while hosting a delegation of the ADC led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the Government House in Bauchi.
Speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting, Mohammed said efforts to resolve the crisis within the PDP had failed despite multiple reconciliation attempts.
“We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked. We set up committees at both the national and state levels to explore all options, including even the APC, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there,” he said.
He noted that while consultations were ongoing with several political platforms, the ADC had emerged as the most acceptable option so far.
“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 added.
Mohammed disclosed that a final decision on his political future would be taken soon, with a formal announcement expected by Thursday.
“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 said.
The governor also alleged that internal divisions within the PDP were being worsened by external influences, accusing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of contributing to the crisis. He revealed that he had engaged key stakeholders, including leaders of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in efforts to resolve the impasse, but without success.
Earlier, Lawal said the ADC delegation was in Bauchi on the directive of the party’s national leadership, under former Senate President David Mark, to invite the governor to join the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the move is part of a broader strategy to unite opposition forces and provide an alternative political direction for the country. He expressed optimism that the consultations would yield positive results, noting that the ADC remains open to accommodating Mohammed and his supporters as it builds momentum nationwide.
Bauchi Governor Bala Signals Possible Defection to ADC Amid PDP Crisis