Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed speculation that he plans to defect from the party, declaring his unwavering loyalty to the PDP.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday after the inaugural meeting of the Publicity and Communications Sub-Committee for the upcoming PDP national convention in Abuja, Mohammed reaffirmed his position within the party.
“I assure you, I am not going anywhere. I am in the PDP, and my state has no element of division,” he said.
While expressing concern over the recent defection of some PDP governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed explained that such moves were personal decisions beyond his control.
“As a leader among equals, I cannot dictate the choices of my colleagues. However, a lot of engagement is ongoing behind the scenes. These defections would have been more destabilising at the beginning, but we’ve been talking and working to hold the party together,” he said.
He suggested that some defections were driven by political pressure and calculations. “Sometimes, it happens because of coercion or political permutations.
*But I won’t speak negatively about my colleagues. What I can assure you is that I’m not leaving and I remain in the PDP,” he reiterated.
Mohammed urged those leaving the party to refrain from “demarketing” it, stressing that disagreements should not be used to weaken the PDP.
On ongoing litigations ahead of the PDP’s national convention, Mohammed said the party leadership was addressing the issues, noting that many of the cases were aimed at creating instability.
“At the state level, some people have even gone to court to stop the convention. This is not healthy and makes some of our members uneasy, especially at the National Assembly. But we are handling these matters decisively,” he said.
Speaking on rumours surrounding other party members, Mohammed revealed that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State had personally assured him of his continued membership in the PDP.
He also confirmed that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubura remains a committed member and serves as the Deputy Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
“He is a humble and resilient young man who has weathered many challenges. Certainly, he is still in the PDP and remains my deputy,” Mohammed stated.
Reacting to speculations that former President Goodluck Jonathan might contest the 2027 election under the PDP, Mohammed welcomed the idea, saying the party was proud to have prominent figures still identifying with it.
Addressing members earlier at the sub-committee’s meeting, the governor urged them not to be discouraged by defections, assuring that the PDP remains strong and united.
He confirmed that preparations for the party’s national convention, scheduled for November 15 in Ibadan, are on course.
“By the grace of God, no Jupiter will stop us; no dark forces will succeed over us. This convention is here to stay,” he declared confidently.
