The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed reports that the Bala Mohammed is planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The clarification was made amid ongoing concerns over defections that have affected the party in recent months.
Speculation about the Bauchi State governor’s alleged defection emerged on Sunday, following a year that saw 10 PDP governors switch allegiance to the APC. Most recently, the Dauda Lawal formally joined the APC after a court ruling invalidated last year’s PDP national convention in Ibadan
The PDP, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has been engaged in reconciliation talks following the court verdict, seeking to unify the party’s factions. These discussions include the leadership backed by the PDP governors and the National Caretaker Committee supported by the Nyesom Wike.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led PDP, Comrade Ini Ememobong, categorically dismissed the defection claims, assuring that Governor Mohammed remains committed to the party.
“What the party knows is that he has told us he is still in the party. Even during conversations with our national chairman, he insisted he is still with the PDP,” Ememobong said. He added that the governor has publicly expressed that he is comfortable in the party, questioning the source of the rumours.
Regarding ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party, Ememobong noted that discussions among stakeholders are continuing and would follow agreed strategies to guide the committee’s decisions. He emphasised that the reconciliation process is being handled internally and should not be escalated publicly.
The clarification comes at a time when the PDP is seeking to stabilise its leadership and retain key governors in the face of increasing defections, signalling the party’s determination to maintain cohesion ahead of future elections.
