APC Denies Knowledge of Governor Bala Mohammed’s Alleged Defection Plans
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State has stated it possesses no official information regarding rumours of Governor Bala Mohammed leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC. This response follows persistent online speculation about a potential political switch by the state governor.
Muhammad A. Hassan Tilde, Chairman of the Bauchi State APC, emphasized that any defection decision rests entirely with the individual politician. “If it is being said that someone is coming to the APC, the person concerned should be asked. It is not the party’s place to answer that,” Tilde stated. He clarified that political party membership is a personal choice and that the APC cannot confirm unsubstantiated claims.
Tilde detailed the party’s formal defection procedure, noting it begins at the grassroots “ward” level, not from top-down announcements. “Any intending member must first register at their ward before progressing through the party hierarchy,” he explained. This structured process, he said, applies to all prospective members, regardless of stature.
The chairman’s comments come after Governor Mohammed publicly dismissed such rumours, reaffirming his commitment to the PDP. The state PDP leadership, led by Kabiru Taninu Turaki, has also consistently debunked the defection claims.
At the local level, APC officials in Governor Mohammed’s home ward of Yuli in Alkaleri Local Government Area confirmed they have received no formal communication. “We have not been officially informed. Like others, we are only hearing rumours,” the ward chairman said. He added that should the governor decide to join, due process would be followed from the ward up through local and state party structures.
Despite the denials and lack of formal notice, the APC affirmed its readiness to welcome the governor. “We are ready to receive him if he decides to return to our party,” the ward chairman noted, reflecting the party’s stated “open doors” policy.
The situation highlights the gap between political speculation and official actions in Nigeria’s dynamic party landscape. While rumours of high-profile defections often circulate, both parties stress that confirmed moves require formal, grassroots-initiated procedures. Governor Mohammed’s public stance remains a key factor, with his previous rejections of the rumours carrying significant weight against ongoing speculation.
