The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed worry over the growing number of PDP leaders defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday after inaugurating the PDP Convention Communication Sub-committee, Mohammed said the defections were troubling but assured that the party was working quietly to remain united ahead of the 2027 elections.
“If you ask me whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. I cannot determine the decisions of my colleagues, though a lot of work is being done behind the scenes,” Mohammed said.
He accused the APC-led federal government of trying to turn Nigeria into a one-party state through the use of “power and coercion.”
“The APC government is doing everything to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” he said.
However, the Bauchi Governor insisted that many PDP defectors were regretting their decision.
“Even those who left are not finding it easier because most people at the grassroots level are PDP members and are not happy with the defections,” he said.
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Recent reports show that several PDP governors and key figures have joined the APC, including Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa. There are also speculations that Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri may follow suit.
Despite the defections, Mohammed maintained his loyalty to the PDP, saying his state remains united.
“I assure you, I am not going anywhere. My state has no element of division. Bauchi is PDP,” he declared.
He also urged defectors to leave peacefully without damaging the party’s image.
“Those leaving should not tarnish our name. Their exit will open doors for capable Nigerians who believe in our vision,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism that the upcoming PDP National Convention, scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, would produce credible leaders who could challenge the APC in 2027.
Mohammed also addressed reports of internal disputes and litigations within the PDP, saying the party remained stronger than most opposition groups.
“We don’t have any faction in PDP. We have one National Chairman, one National Secretary, and one Publicity Secretary. We are united,” he said.
He described the recent involvement of political figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s Peter Obi with the PDP as a sign of Nigerians’ continued faith in the party.
“People are still interested in this party, and seeing big names like Jonathan and Obi associated with us makes us happy. We, the governors, have resolved to put personal interests aside. We are united and ready to produce leadership that will serve Nigerians better in 2027,” he said.