Cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress over the anticipated defection of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed from the Peoples Democratic Party, with some party stakeholders quietly backing his move even as others in the state chapter mount resistance.
Mohammed has sustained a series of high-level consultations with APC figures at both state and national levels, fuelling speculation that his switch may only be a matter of time.
A member of the House of Representatives from Bauchi State confirmed, on condition of anonymity, that the governor remained in active dialogue with APC leaders after a recent meeting with federal 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.”
The lawmaker disclosed that Bauchi federal legislators who met Mohammed at his Abuja residence last Wednesday had expressed readiness to work with him should he formally cross over. “Yes, they promised to support him if he switches to the APC,” he said.
The member representing Toro Federal Constituency, Ismaila Dabo, described the gathering as “fruitful” and hinted at broader political realignments across the North-East. “This is part of wider consultations. It ended on a positive note,” he said, adding that a collective position would be announced at the appropriate time.
Mohammed’s political manoeuvring unfolds against the backdrop of a deepening internal crisis within the PDP, which has triggered a wave of defections in recent months. He and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, remain among the few influential PDP governors yet to formally declare a shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Before his renewed engagement with the APC, Mohammed was widely reported to have explored alignment with the African Democratic Congress as part of an opposition coalition. His recent interactions, however, suggest the ruling party has become his preferred destination.
Despite the apparent momentum, resistance is building within sections of the APC in Bauchi. A group operating under the banner of the APC Solidarity Group and Allied Associations has publicly opposed his entry, warning 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 said it had submitted a petition to APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda outlining its objections.
“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.
The group accused Mohammed of repeatedly making public statements critical of the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that admitting him could trigger internal rivalries and create trust deficits among longstanding party members. It also cited concerns about his political reliability and what it described as declining public goodwill towards the governor.
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