After Failed Move to APC, Bala Mohammed Mulls Defection to ADC Amid PDP Crisis

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has indicated a possible defection to African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the lingering internal crisis within his Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

The plan came after his failed defection move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which, though considered a 60/40 power sharing arrangement to him and a senate ticket, denied him the privilege to choose a successor.

The governor disclosed his latest plan when he received a delegation from ADC, led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Bauchi, yesterday.

Mohammed, who alluded to ADC’s capacity to challenge APC in 2027, lamented that despite exhausting all avenues for reconciliation within PDP at both national and state levels, no meaningful progress had been made.

He revealed that two committees had been constituted, one at the national level in Abuja and another in Bauchi to assess the political direction of his camp, including exploring options across different political parties.

Mohammed said PDP was currently headless, and efforts to reconcile differences within the party had failed, leaving him under pressure from supporters to explore other options.

He stated, “We have found ourselves in a very serious ambivalence where our party is headless. We have to find a place within the opposition. That is where our fate and political destiny are taking us to. And ADC appears to be a very enduring and acceptable plat-form.”

Mohammed emphasised that the decision to join ADC was not taken lightly, but the party’s structure and leadership made it an attractive option.

The governor stated that the ADC national chairman, Senator David Mark, had extended an olive branch to him, inviting him to join the party. He assured his guests that discussions were ongoing and ADC remained the preferred destination, while other options were being explored.

The governor said remaining in a political environment where he was not wanted was no longer tenable, stressing the need to align with a viable opposition platform.

He stated that consultation and negotiation were still ongoing to ensure a well-informed decision.

Earlier, leader of the ADC delegation, Lawal, said their visit was at the instance of the party’s national chairman, aimed at inviting Mohammed to join ADC ahead of the 2027 general election.

He described the governor as a fearless political figure whose entry into the party would strengthen its chances in future elections.

Lawal also emphasised the need for opposition unity, warning that failure to consolidate efforts can have serious consequences for Nigeria’s future.

He stated, “We are here in Bauchi today at the instance of our National Chairman, Senator David Mark. Senator Mark sent us here because he’s fully aware that the coming battle between us in 2027 to elect new people to lead Nigeria can only be successful if all the various segments of the country that have good intentions and goodwill towards Nigerians are able to unite to stand and resist the impending disaster that is waiting for us in 2027.”