The anticipated defection of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to either the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to materialise on Thursday, despite growing speculation over his political future.
The development followed intense political lobbying from both parties seeking to secure the governor’s support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although Mohammed is approaching the end of his second term in office next year, sources said he has been heavily courted by the ruling APC and the ADC, which is currently grappling with internal leadership challenges.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of its recognition of the ADC’s National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark, citing compliance with a Court of Appeal ruling.
However, it remains unclear whether the electoral body’s decision influenced Mohammed’s decision to suspend his planned move to the ADC or whether he is considering joining the APC.
NOP NIGERIA understands that Mohammed recently held separate meetings with APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and a chieftain of the ADC, Babachir Lawal, who visited him on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
These engagements reportedly formed part of ongoing efforts by both parties to persuade the governor to join their ranks.
Despite expectations that the governor would publicly announce his next political move on Thursday, no event was scheduled in Bauchi to make the announcement.
A source familiar with the situation said Mohammed was not even in the state at the time.
“The governor is not even in Bauchi, as we speak,” the source told Vanguard.
“His Excellency appears to have travelled out of the state to hold further consultations with his political family and stakeholders outside Bauchi,” the source added, without disclosing the governor’s exact location.
