PDP’s end imminent as Bauchi Gov reportedly set to join APC
Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Poised to Join APC
BAUCHI, Nigeria — The relevance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be jeopardized as Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, is reportedly preparing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) this week, subject to any unforeseen developments.
Sources cited in a THISDAY report via Arise Television indicate that discussions regarding the defection were ongoing as of Saturday night. Mohammed has allegedly met with President Bola Tinubu and other APC leaders to express his intention to join the party.
Insiders suggest that Mohammed has been offered a senatorial ticket with the APC and will be entitled to the same benefits provided to previous defectors. However, unlike earlier concessions, President Tinubu has reportedly made it clear that Mohammed will not gain full control of the APC’s structure in Bauchi State.
“Unlike the privileges extended to earlier defectors, Bala Mohammed will not receive full control of the APC structure in Bauchi. The best he can achieve is his Senate ticket, as he has political ambitions, but he won’t be able to nominate his successor. He has been informed of this clearly,” a source stated.
Additionally, reports indicate that the governor’s defection may not be entirely voluntary, linked to the legal issues facing Yakubu Adamu, his Commissioner for Finance, who is currently under investigation for terrorism and money laundering involving approximately 4.6 billion naira. There are claims that Adamu has threatened to implicate Mohammed if he remains incarcerated.
Complicating matters further, Mohammed reportedly had to apologize to Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, for a public dispute involving his own son last year. Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed had criticized Seyi Tinubu for distributing food items in Bauchi during Ramadan in 2025, urging him to focus on sustainable empowerment programs. In a step toward facilitating the defection, the governor has apparently submitted the requested apology, although he reportedly remains uncomfortable with other conditions tied to the arrangement.
Mohammed’s primary concern appears to be the succession of his governorship. Sources indicate he is seeking a voice in choosing his successor, emphasizing the importance of his political legacy. To further this aim, he has reportedly approached APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to advocate for a 60/40 structure-sharing arrangement in Bauchi State.
In preparation for a potential move, Mohammed is said to have organized a stakeholders’ meeting in the state this week.
Should he finalize his defection, the APC’s gubernatorial representation would increase to 32 states, leaving the PDP with only Oyo State’s Governor Makinde. The Labour Party, APGA, and Accord Party would maintain governance in Abia, Anambra, and Osun states, respectively.
