By Ayo Kehinde
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has stepped up efforts to stop Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, from defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move that underscores rising political realignments, triggered by recent high-profile defections across the country.
The intervention comes amid growing momentum for the ADC, following the recent entry of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose defection has boosted the visibility and attractiveness of the party, drawing in several former governorship candidates and political heavyweights from both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Governor Mohammed, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, had on Tuesday hinted at the possibility of leaving the PDP, citing unresolved internal crises and failed reconciliation efforts within the party.
However, in a swift political response, the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday, led a delegation, including Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to an unscheduled meeting with Governor Mohammed at the Bauchi Government House.
The meeting, held behind closed doors, ended without any official briefing to journalists, fueling speculation over the nature and outcome of the discussions.
Sources within the Government House said the visit may have been part of a last-minute effort by the APC to persuade Governor Mohammed to reconsider his reported plan to join the ADC and instead maintain political ties within the ruling party’s broader structure.
The visit came less than 24 hours after Mohammed engaged with the ADC delegation, further highlighting the intensifying political manoeuvring surrounding his next move.
Although no official defection has been announced, the developments point to heightened political negotiations as major parties reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Bauchi governor had hinted at possible defection from the PDP while hosting a delegation of the ADC led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, where he openly expressed frustration over what he described as repeated attempts at reconciliation that yielded no positive outcome.
“We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. 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, including even the APC, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there”, Mohammed said.
He added that consultations were still ongoing across political platforms, stressing that no final decision had been taken, although the ADC appeared to be emerging as a preferred destination.
“As of now, ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes”, he added.
Mohammed further noted that perceived exclusion from the APC contributed significantly to the direction of his political consultations, stating that his group remained open to engagement if circumstances changed.
“If they open up and say we should come to the APC, we will go, but for now, the preference is to move to the opposition party”, he said.
