The Bauchi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has rejected moves to admit Governor Bala Mohammed into the party amid ongoing political realignments.
The position was announced on Tuesday night after a caucus meeting held in Abuja, where members unanimously opposed the governor’s proposed defection into the party.
The development follows reports that Mr Mohammed had earlier disclosed plans on March 31, 2026, to defect to the African Democratic Congress.
This came after a visit by the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to the Bauchi Government House, where they held a closed-door meeting with Mr Mohammed.
Although no official statement followed the meeting, sources suggested the visit was aimed at persuading the governor to reconsider his reported move to the ADC.
Caucus position
Speaking after the meeting, Senator Sama’ila Dahuwa, who represents Bauchi North Senatorial District and chairs the caucus, said members had “unequivocally” rejected the move.
Mr Dahuwa said the caucus was concerned about Mr Mohammed’s past criticisms of President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
He noted that the governor had neither retracted his statements, made any reconciliation efforts, nor issued a public apology to the party leadership.
“In view of the foregoing, the caucus firmly holds that his admission into the APC at this time will be detrimental to the party’s cohesion, credibility, and electoral prospects in Bauchi State,” Mr Dahuwa said.
Concerns over party unity
The caucus warned that admitting Mr Mohammed without due process could undermine party stability and internal democracy.
It also criticised the lack of consultation with key stakeholders on the matter, describing it as inconsistent with the party’s inclusive practices.
Mr Dahuwa added that the caucus would formally communicate its stance to the party’s national leadership and demand strict adherence to established structures.
Political developments
Meanwhile, indications suggest that Mr Mohammed may have slowed down his planned defection to the ADC following engagements with APC leaders.
He is reportedly consulting with stakeholders within the Peoples Democratic Party in Bauchi State.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 4, 2026, the PDP in the state constituted an exit committee to assess its political future amid growing speculation over a possible defection.
The Bauchi PDP Chairman, Samaila Burga, confirmed the development, stating that the committee would explore available options.
Mr Burga said Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau chairs the committee, which includes representatives from the National Assembly, the State Assembly, commissioners, party executives, and local government chairpersons.
He added that the committee would consult widely before presenting recommendations at a subsequent stakeholders’ meeting.
Background
Political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections have intensified across Nigeria, with defections and internal party negotiations shaping the landscape.
The African Democratic Congress has emerged as a potential platform for opposition figures seeking alternative alliances, while the APC and PDP continue to navigate internal challenges and strategic positioning.
The rejection of Mr Mohammed’s admission highlights internal resistance within the APC and could influence political alignments in Bauchi State ahead of future elections.
It also underscores the complexities of party defections in Nigeria, where internal cohesion, stakeholder consensus, and political history play critical roles in shaping decisions.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
