Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has reaffirmed his commitment to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing speculation that he plans to defect.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking in Abuja on Saturday after the inaugural meeting of the publicity and communications sub-committee for the PDP’s upcoming national convention, Mohammed, who also serves as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, said he remains fully loyal to the party.
The chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum said “I assure you I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division.”
The Governor, however, acknowledged that some of his colleagues have chosen to leave for the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that he lacks the authority to dictate their political decisions.
He said, “As a leader of a group of equals, I cannot dictate the choices of my colleagues. But a lot of discussions are ongoing behind the scenes. The wave of defections could have been worse, but we are managing it.”
Mohammed attributed some defections to political pressure or strategy, adding, “Sometimes, it’s done out of coercion or political calculations. I won’t speak ill of anyone, but I assure you — I’m not going anywhere. I’m in PDP.”
He urged those leaving the party to do so respectfully without tarnishing its image.
On court cases threatening the forthcoming national convention, Mohammed said the PDP leadership is actively working to address them.
He lamented, “Some litigations were deliberately filed to frustrate the process. At the state level, I’ve seen people going to court just to stop us from holding a convention. It’s not good for internal democracy.”
He noted that such disputes have made some National Assembly members uneasy but assured them that the party was handling the situation.
Responding to reports that Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah might defect to the APC, Mohammed said no official communication had been received.
He said, “I have discussed this issue with him separately, and he has given me his assurances. He’s a governor like me, and I respect him and his decisions.”
He also reaffirmed that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains a committed member of the PDP despite the political tension in his state.
Mohammed said, “He’s a humble man who has endured a lot, but he’s still in PDP. To me, he remains my deputy in the governors’ forum.”
On speculations that former President Goodluck Jonathan might contest the 2027 elections under the PDP, Mohammed said the party is proud of its association with such respected leaders.
While addressing the sub-committee earlier, the Bauchi Governor called on members to stay focused and not be distracted by talks of defections or internal disagreements.
He also confirmed that the PDP national convention will proceed as planned on November 15 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Mohammed added, “By the grace of God, no Jupiter will stop us; no dark forces will succeed over us.”
