Gov Bala Mohammed reaffirms loyalty, dismisses defection rumours from PDP

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed rumours of his defection from the party, reaffirming his loyalty and commitment to the PDP.

Speaking with journalists on Saturday after the inaugural meeting of the Publicity and Communications Sub-Committee for the upcoming PDP national convention in Abuja, Mohammed made it clear that he has no plans to leave the party.

“I assure you I am not going anywhere. I am in the PDP, and my state has no element of division,” he said.

While expressing concern over recent defections of some PDP governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed said such moves were beyond his control.

“As a leader of a group of equals, I cannot dictate the decisions or inactions of my colleagues.

“But a lot of engagement is happening behind the scenes.

“These defections would have been more devastating earlier on, but we have been talking and reaching out,” he explained.

The governor noted that some defections were influenced by political pressure and personal calculations.

“Sometimes it is done because of permutations and coercion.

“I won’t speak negatively about my colleagues, but I assure you, I am not going anywhere. I am in the PDP,” he reiterated.

Mohammed also urged defectors to stop “demarketing” the PDP as they exit the party, emphasizing that internal challenges should not be exploited to weaken it.

On the issue of litigations threatening the forthcoming national convention, the Bauchi governor said the PDP leadership was making concerted efforts to resolve them, noting that many of the suits were filed to destabilize the party.

“At the state level, I have even seen some people taking us to court to stop the convention.

“This is not good and makes some at the National Assembly feel insecure.

“But we are addressing these issues squarely,” he said.

Addressing speculations about other key figures in the party, Mohammed said Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State had personally assured him of his continued membership in the PDP.

He also confirmed that Governor Siminalayi Fubura of Rivers State remains a loyal member and serves as the deputy chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.

“He is a humble young man who has endured a lot and continues to handle challenges with maturity. Certainly, he is still in the PDP and remains my deputy,” he said.

On reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan may contest the 2027 election under the PDP, Mohammed said the party welcomes the continued interest of such prominent figures.

Earlier at the sub-committee’s meeting, the Bauchi governor urged members not to be discouraged by defections, insisting that the party remains strong and focused.

He reaffirmed that the PDP’s national convention, slated for November 15 in Ibadan, will proceed as planned.

“By the grace of God, no Jupiter will stop us; no dark forces will succeed over us. This convention is here to stay,” he declared.