Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has firmly denied persistent rumours of his impending defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (ACP), stating he remains a committed member of the PDP. The denial comes amid widespread speculation that the governor was planning to switch allegiances, with some reports suggesting the move could have occurred this week.
Governor Mohammed addressed the rumours indirectly during an official engagement at the Government House in Bauchi on Wednesday. Following the swearing-in of 17 newly appointed permanent secretaries, he declined a direct interview with journalists but scheduled a statement for later with Channels Television. When briefly questioned, he stated, “I have not moved; they said that I have defected.” He characterised himself as an “international figure in politics” and indicated he would provide further clarification later in the day.
The event focused primarily on administrative matters. Governor Mohammed administered the oath of office to the new permanent secretaries, a ceremony conducted by the Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Talatu Musa Umar. In his address to the appointees, the governor emphasised stringent ethical standards, warning that his administration “will not tolerate corruption or any act capable of bringing the government into disrepute.” He urged the officials to maintain discipline, avoid insubordination and partisan politics, and prioritise mentoring younger civil servants as part of ongoing reforms aimed at instilling professionalism.
Separately, Governor Mohammed reassured state retirees about his government’s commitment to clearing outstanding gratuities, estimated at approximately N20 billion. He noted that payment of arrears spanning 13 years commenced in January 2026.
The governor’s public dismissal of defection rumours highlights the ongoing political fluidity in Nigeria, where high-profile party switching between the PDP and APC is not uncommon. His promise of a detailed televised interview later in the day suggests the matter will remain a point of public interest. The episode underscores the intersection of governance duties and political speculation in Nigeria’s state-level politics, with the governor choosing to confront the narrative while simultaneously directing attention to his administration’s civil service and fiscal responsibilities.
