Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party, declaring his move to the Allied Peoples Movement after consultations with political allies and stakeholders.
The decision was made public on Saturday after a high-level meeting convened to assess the fallout from the Supreme Court ruling on the PDP’s prolonged leadership crisis. The gathering also examined possible pathways for political realignment.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Mohammed revealed that he had spent over a week in Abuja holding discussions with key figures in an effort to salvage unity within the party. He said the court’s judgment, which invalidated parallel conventions organised by opposing factions, had reshaped the party’s structure.
According to him, the ruling effectively removed the legitimacy of both factions, leaving the Board of Trustees to take temporary control. He noted that events following the verdict had only worsened uncertainty within the PDP.
“After careful consideration and wide consultations with leaders and stakeholders across the country, it has become clear that our efforts to restore stability have not yielded the desired results,” he said.
While acknowledging the PDP’s role in his political journey, the governor stressed that governance and stability must take precedence.
“However, as responsible leaders, we cannot allow our people to be left without a credible and effective political platform,” he stated.
Mohammed described his defection as a calculated step aimed at maintaining political relevance and ensuring future electoral success. He said the APM offers a stable alternative without legal complications.
He further disclosed that members of the State Executive Council seeking elective positions had stepped down in compliance with legal requirements.
Reaffirming his emotional ties to his former party, he added: “We remain PDP at heart. We are leaving not out of bitterness, but out of necessity to continue the struggle for good governance.”
Formally announcing his new affiliation, he declared: “Consequently, after extensive consultations, we have taken a firm and strategic decision to join the Allied Peoples Movement.”
To manage the transition, the governor outlined several steps, including setting up a compliance committee, launching online membership registration, facilitating formal resignations, engaging APM leadership, and establishing a liaison team with the electoral commission.
He appealed for calm among his supporters, emphasising that the move was deliberate and carefully planned.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, welcomed Mohammed and his supporters into the party. He described the APM as a “clean, democratic party” driven by the slogan “Nigeria First” and rooted in integrity and service.
Dantalle praised the governor’s leadership, noting that Bauchi reflects inclusive governance and active democratic participation. He also highlighted the party’s recent gains in local government elections, including councillorship victories.
He assured the new entrants that the APM remains free of internal disputes and operates strictly in line with its constitution.
The chairman later presented Mohammed with his membership card and party insignia, marking his official entry into the party. He explained that the party’s symbol, the cassava plant, represents resilience and economic value, aligning with its broader vision for national development.
