Bauchi Governor's APC Defection Collapses Over Power-Sharing Formula Dispute
Plans by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have collapsed, following disagreements over a proposed power-sharing arrangement. Negotiations between the governor's faction and APC leaders ended in a stalemate after the ruling party declined to accept a 60-40 formula for control of party structures in the state.
PDP Faction Accuses APC of Unwillingness to Accommodate Structure
Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in Bauchi, Sama'ila Burga, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Saturday, April 18. He said the talks, initiated through the governor and involving APC national leaders, failed to produce an agreement. "This is how it has been done in other places where governors defected to APC. They rejected this formula and we have closed that discussion. You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have control of the party," Burga stated.
He added that the press conference was held at the instance of Governor Bala Mohammed, who led the discussions. Burga noted that extensive consultations were held among stakeholders before the decision to discontinue the negotiations was reached. "After careful consideration, it became clear that the conditions collectively advanced for such a political realignment were not accepted by the APC leadership. In light of this, we want to announce that the discussions have not yielded a conclusive outcome and are hereby formally discontinued," he explained.
Governor's Camp Explores Alternative Political Options
Following the breakdown of talks, the governor's camp has signaled openness to exploring other political platforms. Burga said, "While we appreciate the outreach and engagement by the APC, we wish to state unequivocally that the process has now been brought to a close. Consequently, the PDP in Bauchi State, in consultation with His Excellency and other critical stakeholders, is actively considering all available political options other than the APC to determine the most suitable path forward in line with the aspirations and best interests of the people of Bauchi State."
The aborted move comes despite efforts by key figures, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, who reportedly engaged Mohammed in discussions aimed at persuading him to join the APC. This development marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, as realignment discussions continue ahead of future elections.
Background on Governor's Political Maneuvering
Previously, Governor Bala Mohammed hinted at the possibility of dumping the PDP for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), noting that the coalition-adopted party has the potential to defeat the APC in the 2027 general elections. The governor announced this after a closed-door meeting with a delegation of the party's national chairman, led by Babachir Lawal, the former secretary to the government of the federation, at the presidential lodge in Bauchi on Tuesday, March 31.
The collapse of the APC defection talks underscores the complexities of political realignments in Nigeria, where power-sharing formulas and control of party structures often become sticking points. As Bauchi State navigates this political uncertainty, stakeholders are closely watching for further developments that could reshape the electoral dynamics in the region.
