The planned defection of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has collapsed, with the governor now signalling a possible move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to reports, negotiations had initially appeared to be advancing, with insiders disclosing that Mohammed’s entry into the APC was being discussed under a 60/40 power-sharing formula within the party structure in Bauchi State, alongside a Senate ticket for the governor upon the expiration of his tenure. However, the talks ultimately broke down over a critical sticking point.
The only concession reportedly offered to Mohammed was a Senate ticket. He would not be permitted to nominate his successor as governor of the state, with President Tinubu insisting that control of the APC structure in Bauchi be handed over to the party leadership rather than any individual, citing the political sensitivity of the state.
Internal opposition within the APC further sealed the door against him. The APC Bauchi State caucus and stakeholders unanimously opposed Mohammed’s proposed defection, with Senator Samaila Dahuwa disclosing the position after a caucus meeting in Abuja. The group warned that admitting Mohammed would undermine the party’s cohesion, credibility, and electoral chances, noting that the governor had previously made public statements critical of President Tinubu and the APC without retracting them.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the Presidential Lodge in Bauchi, Mohammed confirmed that the APC move had failed. “We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked,” he said. “We set up committees at both the national and state levels to explore all options, including the APC, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there.”
According to Theo Sun Nigeria, Mohammed also disclosed that he had met with President Tinubu on three occasions, and while the president reportedly showed willingness to accommodate him as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, internal resistance from APC stakeholders in Bauchi blocked any agreement. “Since I am no longer wanted, I believe the right thing to do is to move on,” he said.
The ADC meeting was followed by a dramatic counter-move. Barely 24 hours after Mohammed signalled his intention to join the ADC receiving a delegation led by Babachir Lawal on behalf of ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, APC National Chairman Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda arrived in Bauchi with Kano Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf and other APC leaders for a meeting at Government House that lasted approximately two hours.
The outcome of those talks had not been officially disclosed at press time.
The development marks a significant chapter in the ongoing fragmentation of the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
