Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), announcing the shift at a press briefing in Government House, Bauchi, on Thursday.
The governor said the decision follows “prolonged instability” and unsuccessful reconciliation attempts within the PDP. After extensive consultations with political stakeholders, party members and supporters across the state, Mohammed concluded that the defection offers Bauchi voters a credible alternative in a “particularly challenging situation” for the PDP.
Mohammed explained that aligning with the APM at the state level is intended to strengthen the party’s structure ahead of upcoming elections, protect the interests of his supporters and ensure continuity of governance. He added that several members of the State Executive Council have also resigned from the PDP, and that the APM has completed arrangements for online membership registration in all wards and local government areas of Bauchi.
The governor characterized the move as a strategic realignment rather than a retreat, emphasizing its purpose of repositioning Bauchi politically. “Our objective is to provide a stable platform for development and to safeguard the aspirations of the people,” Mohammed said.
Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, national chairman of the APM, welcomed Mohammed and his entourage, describing the defection as a “significant boost” for the party. Dantalle reaffirmed the APM’s commitment to integrity, sacrifice and service, citing these principles as the foundation of its nationwide activities. He noted that the party has demonstrated grassroots strength in previous elections, securing numerous councillorship seats, and that its platform promotes inclusiveness and respect for members in governance.
The switch occurs against a backdrop of internal turbulence within the PDP, which has faced multiple factional disputes in recent months. Observers note that defections of high‑profile politicians could alter the balance of power ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially in northern Nigeria where party loyalties often influence local outcomes.
The APM’s expansion into Bauchi may intensify competition among Nigeria’s major parties, compelling them to address internal cohesion and voter engagement more proactively. The next steps include the formal induction of Governor Mohammed into the APM’s state executive structure and the completion of the online membership drive, which aims to consolidate the new alignment before the forthcoming electoral calendar.
