The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State has defended the hesitation of Governor Bala Mohammed in joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the delay is due to ongoing consultations.
The state PDP Publicity Secretary, Dayyabu Chiroma, explained that the governor was carefully weighing his options to avoid making a wrong political decision.
Chiroma made the clarification while speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday.
According to the party spokesman, Governor Mohammed remains focused on protecting the interests of his supporters and would not take any decision that could harm them.
“Our leader, the governor, is concerned about his people. He is not going to make a decision that will hurt us. The hesitation may be due to ongoing consultations,” Chiroma said.
He added that the party remained united despite uncertainty over the governor’s political future.
“We are still in the PDP and strong, pending the recommendation of the committee,” he said.
The political uncertainty follows the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP.
Governor Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier supported the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led National Working Committee of the party.
However, both the High Court and the Court of Appeal nullified the convention that produced the leadership.
Following the appellate court judgment, the party approached the Supreme Court for a final ruling on the matter.
Meanwhile, a faction of the PDP backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held its own convention on March 29, 2026, where officials were elected.
During a recent meeting with the leadership of the ADC, led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, Mohammed said he would soon decide on the political party to join.
He explained that a committee had been set up to examine various political platforms and recommend the most suitable option ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor also revealed that attempts to engage the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were unsuccessful, claiming he was not welcomed in the ruling party.
He indicated that the ADC was his preferred destination as consultations continued.
Following his remarks, leaders of the APC, including the party’s national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, visited him during the week.
The meeting was seen by observers as part of ongoing political realignments ahead of the next election cycle.
On Saturday, the governor constituted an exit committee to examine the implications of a possible defection from the PDP.
The committee has been tasked with evaluating the available options and recommending the best political direction for the party in the state.
According to Chiroma, the committee would determine whether the PDP structure in Bauchi should remain in the party or move to another platform.
“The committee’s outcome—whether for defection or against it—and possibly the choice of political party, is what we are waiting for. For now, we are still together in the PDP,” he said.
Speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, the Bauchi State PDP Chairman, Samaila Burga, confirmed the constitution of the committee.
He said the committee would explore the possibility of exiting the PDP as part of a broader political realignment.
Burga disclosed that the committee would be chaired by the Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, and would include representatives from across the party and government structures.
Members include representatives from the National and State Assemblies, commissioners, party executives, local government chairmen, and other senior party stakeholders.
He added that the Secretary to the State Government would serve as secretary of the committee to ensure effective coordination of its activities.
