Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied People's Movement (APM), announcing that he is moving with his entire political structure from the ward and local government levels to the state level.
Mohammed made the announcement on Saturday after a meeting with PDP stakeholders in Bauchi State. Speaking to the press following the meeting, the governor explained that his team is facing "extraordinary times" and is confronted with an "unusual and complex political situation." He expressed reassurance in the steadfast commitment and loyalty demonstrated by his supporters.
Mohammed stated that over the past eight days, he had been in Abuja engaging at the highest level to address the challenges facing the PDP. "I sought all available avenues with diligence and good faith," he said.
He noted that the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment has fundamentally altered the political landscape and their expectations. The court, in a split decision, nullified the parallel conventions conducted by contending factions and declared all actions emanating from those conventions null and void. This has effectively left both sides without legal standing, with the Board of Trustees temporarily assuming responsibility for party affairs as outlined in the PDP constitution. Despite this, Mohammed said actions that do not align with the spirit of the judgment have caused definite uncertainty.
"After careful consideration and wide consultations with leaders and stakeholders across the country, it has become clear that our efforts to restore stability have not yielded the desired results," Mohammed said. He acknowledged the PDP's role in his political journey, stating that the party had been a platform through which he served, grew, and contributed to national development. "We remain grateful for this history and the opportunities provided," he added.
Mohammed emphasized that as responsible leaders, they cannot allow their people to be left without a credible and effective political platform. "Our duty is to provide clarity and direction, while ensuring that the opportunities provided to all of us are not diminished," he said. Consequently, after extensive consultation, they have taken a firm and strategic decision to join the APM.
"Let me be clear: this decision is guided by one overriding objective—to secure victory in both the state and country to serve our people with purpose and integrity," Mohammed stated. He described the APM as a viable platform to organize effectively, mobilize supporters, and present a coherent and credible alternative to the people. He added that due diligence had been carried out and the party is not infected by any legal virus that could serve as an impediment.
Mohammed announced that members of the executive council have already resigned their positions, having indicated interest in contesting for various elective offices. Appreciating his former party, he said, "We love you because we are PDP at heart, but we had to leave you to carry on with the struggle. We cannot be diminished. We cannot be conquered. We will continue to raise the torch of democracy to provide good governance for this country."
To ensure a seamless and lawful transition, Mohammed outlined several measures: the establishment of a compliance committee to guide actions in line with legal and electoral requirements; the commencement of an online membership registration process; the constitution of a committee to interface with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding transparency; and the launch of a coordinated mobilization effort to build strong grassroots support across the state.
The National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Ahmed Dantalle, commended the governor for choosing a party free from litigation and crisis. He welcomed Mohammed and his team and promised to work with them.
