Bauchi Gov cancels APC defection move over power-sharing dispute

Plans by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress have collapsed following disagreements over a proposed 60–40 power-sharing formula.

The talks between the governor’s Turaki-led PDP faction and APC leadership reportedly ended in a deadlock after the ruling party rejected the proposed arrangement for control of party structures in Bauchi State.

Addressing journalists on Saturday, Chairman of the faction, Mr Sama’ila Burga, said the APC was unwilling to accommodate the structure of the state government and the PDP bloc.

“This is how it has been done in other places where governors defected to APC. They rejected this formula and we have closed that discussion,” Mr Burga said.

“You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have control of the party.”

Talks collapse

Mr Burga disclosed that the APC initiated the discussions, which involved its national leadership and the Governor of Kano State, Mr Abba Yusuf, who visited Bauchi to persuade Governor Mohammed to join the party.

However, negotiations broke down after both sides failed to reach an agreement on the sharing formula.

“We have called for this press conference at the instance of His Excellency, the Governor, who is leading the discussions,” he added.

Decision to withdraw

Announcing the outcome, Mr Burga confirmed that the PDP faction had resolved to discontinue the talks after consultations with stakeholders.

“After careful consideration, it became clear that the conditions collectively advanced for such a political realignment were not accepted by the APC leadership,” he said.

“In light of this… the discussions have not yielded a conclusive outcome and are hereby formally discontinued.”

Exploring alternatives

Despite the breakdown in talks, the governor and his supporters signalled openness to aligning with other political platforms.

“While we appreciate the outreach and engagement by the APC… the process has now been brought to a close,” Mr Burga said.

“Consequently, the PDP in Bauchi State… is actively considering all available political options other than the APC to determine the most suitable path forward.”