Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Allied Peoples Movement, ending weeks of speculation over his political future.
The governor announced his defection today at the Government House in Bauchi, citing the lingering crisis within the PDP and the failure of reconciliation efforts as reasons for his departure. “I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked. We set up committees at both the national and state levels to explore all options, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there,” Mohammed said.
Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, said the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across Bauchi State and at the national level. “We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes. Everything has now been concluded so that we can move forward together,” he stated.
He explained that the APM was chosen after weighing available political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. “As of now, APM appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform that aligns with the aspirations of the people of Bauchi State,” he said.
The governor dismissed suggestions that the move was driven by personal ambition. “This is not about me. It is about the collective will of the people. We cannot remain where we are not wanted,” he said.
Mohammed had previously been linked to possible moves to both the All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress. In March 2026, he met with an ADC delegation led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and had earlier held closed-door talks with APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf. Those discussions fueled speculation about his next political move.
His media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, had in December denied reports that the governor planned to leave the PDP for the Peoples Redemption Party, describing such claims as “false, malicious, and entirely unfounded.” Gidado had insisted at the time that “at no time has Governor Bala Mohammed contemplated leaving the PDP.”
With today’s defection, Mohammed becomes the latest high-profile governor to leave the PDP amid shifting political alliances ahead of 2027. The APC currently governs 31 of Nigeria’s 36 states, while the PDP’s number of governors has continued to decline.
The Bauchi APC caucus had earlier expressed division over the governor’s possible entry into the ruling party, warning that poorly managed integration of new entrants could alienate loyal members. Meanwhile, groups such as the Kauran Bauchi Political Concern Group had urged him to remain in the PDP, saying his loyalty was vital to sustaining public confidence.
Mohammed said he would formally register with the APM in the coming days and begin mobilizing supporters across the state. “You will hear a firm commitment from us. We are moving forward together with our people,” he said.
