Defection: Bauchi AIPAC urges Gov Mohammed to consult before defection

By Lateef Ibrahim with agency report

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to consult the council before making any move to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for another political platform.
Speaking to journalists in Bauchi, IPAC’s state chapter expressed support for the governor’s reported plans to defect, citing the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP. The council also highlighted its readiness to facilitate a smooth transition.
IPAC chairman in Bauchi, Auwal Isa, stressed that Governor Mohammed has the constitutional right to join any political party, adding that several parties are already showing interest due to his significant influence in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.
“Wherever he goes will certainly see increased political activity,” Isa said, noting that IPAC is prepared to guide the governor in choosing the most suitable political platform.
He added that even if the decision has already been made, the council is willing to support the move, emphasising that any action should be in the best interest of both Bauchi State and the country.
Peoples Daily reports that Governor Mohammed, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, recently signalled his interest in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), meeting with an ADC delegation led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, at the Ramat House in Bauchi on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) responded swiftly. Just 24 hours after the ADC visit, a high-powered APC delegation led by National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside Kano State Governor Kabiru Abba Yusuf, met privately with Governor Mohammed at the Government House on Thursday.
The meeting, which included top state officials and National Assembly members, lasted about an hour and concluded without any public statements.
Governor Mohammed, in prior remarks after meeting with ADC officials, expressed frustration over failed reconciliation efforts within the PDP. He accused the faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of obstructing peace efforts, despite setting up reconciliation committees at both state and federal levels.
He also revealed attempts to engage the APC, noting three meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek reconciliation within the PDP.
“I even met Wike at his Abuja residence, but he claimed to have already secured all positions in the PDP. I hoped for negotiation, but neither the presidency nor Wike followed up,” he said.
Governor Mohammed is expected to announce his next political move today, Thursday, April 2, 2026.