Fresh cracks have emerged within the Bauchi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress following moves to admit Governor Bala Mohammed, with party stakeholders sharply divided over the implications of his proposed defection.
The rift became evident during a high-level caucus meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, where leaders of the party expressed opposing positions on the political and structural consequences of integrating the governor into the APC fold.
In a bid to prevent further escalation, the caucus resolved to constitute a powerful committee to harmonise divergent views and interface with the party’s national leadership.
The Acting Secretary of the caucus, Dabo Ismail, said the panel would outline conditions for Mohammed’s possible entry and ensure that the interests of party stakeholders in the state were protected.
He stressed that while the governor was not being rejected outright, the process must be guided by internal democracy and broad consultations.
“We are not closing the door, but due process must be followed,” Ismail said, urging the national leadership to avoid sidelining state actors in any negotiation.
However, discontent dominated deliberations, with several members raising concerns over what they described as inadequate consultation.
The caucus chairman and senator representing Bauchi North, Sama’ila Dahuwa, faulted the manner the issue was being handled, warning against imposing decisions on party structures in the state.
Party leaders cautioned that bypassing grassroots stakeholders could undermine inclusiveness and destabilise the party ahead of future elections.
Dahuwa disclosed that the committee includes top-ranking figures such as a serving minister, former governors and senators, highlighting the sensitivity of the matter.
The caucus also agreed to formally relay its concerns to the APC national leadership, insisting that any move to admit new entrants must follow laid-down procedures.
Governor Mohammed’s reported defection plans come amid shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections and growing uncertainty within the Peoples Democratic Party.
A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a prominent PDP figure in the North-East, the governor has recently hinted at leaving the party, citing unresolved internal challenges.
On March 31, 2026, he publicly signalled an intention to exit the PDP for the African Democratic Congress, a move widely seen as part of broader opposition realignments.
He said efforts at reconciliation had failed despite multiple interventions, including consultations at both national and state levels.
The situation gained further traction after a closed-door meeting at the Bauchi Government House involving the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, fuelling speculation about a possible pathway into the APC.
Subsequently, the governor met with loyalists and PDP stakeholders, leading to the formation of an exit committee by the state PDP chairman, Sama’ila Burga, to determine the next political direction.
The PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Dayyabu Chiroma, said the committee was expected to conclude its assignment within days, noting that party members would align with whatever decision the governor takes.
While the entry of a sitting governor could bolster the party’s electoral strength, it also risks triggering internal discontent over the possible displacement of long-standing members and existing power structures.