Defection Plot Stalls As Bauchi APC Rejects Bala Mohammed

The Bauchi State caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected moves to admit the state governor, Bala Mohammed, into the party, citing concerns over his past criticisms and the implications for party unity.

The caucus made its position known during a briefing on Tuesday night following a meeting held in Abuja.

The development comes amid reports that Mohammed had, on March 31, 2026, disclosed plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This followed a visit by the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to the Bauchi Government House, where they held a closed-door meeting with him.

Although the parties declined to speak with journalists after the meeting, sources suggested the visit was aimed at persuading the governor to reconsider his reported move to the ADC and instead join the APC.

Speaking after the caucus meeting, the senator representing Bauchi North Senatorial District and Chairman of the APC caucus in the state, Sama’ila Dahuwa, said members unanimously resolved to reject Mohammed’s proposed admission.

According to him, the caucus, after exhaustive deliberations, “unequivocally rejects” the move.

The caucus expressed concern that the governor had consistently made public statements critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.

It said such remarks were perceived to have undermined the party’s unity and integrity, adding that Mohammed had neither retracted them nor made any reconciliation effort.

“In view of the foregoing, the caucus firmly holds that his admission into the APC at this time will be detrimental to the party’s cohesion, credibility, and electoral prospects in Bauchi State,” Dahuwa stated.

The caucus further declared that it would not support any move capable of compromising the party’s stability and political fortunes.

It also faulted what it described as a failure to consult critical stakeholders in the Bauchi APC, noting that such omission runs contrary to the principles of internal democracy and inclusiveness.

The group said it would formally communicate its decision to the party’s national leadership while demanding strict adherence to due process and established party structures.

Meanwhile, indications suggest that Mohammed may have slowed down on his planned defection to the ADC following his engagement with APC leaders.

The governor is reportedly consulting with loyalists and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bauchi State.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 4, 2026, the PDP in the state constituted an exit committee to review its political future amid growing speculation.

Confirming the development, the Bauchi State PDP Chairman, Samaila Burga, said the committee was set up to assess available options, including the possibility of exiting the party as part of a broader political realignment.

He disclosed that the committee is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, and includes representatives from the National Assembly, State Assembly, commissioners, party executives, and local government chairmen.

Burga added that the committee would consult widely and present its recommendations at a subsequent stakeholders’ meeting, where a final decision on the party’s political direction in the state would be taken.