Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed's Defection to APC Collapses Over Power-Sharing Dispute
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State's highly anticipated defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially collapsed, following a breakdown in negotiations over control of the party structure in the state.
The discussions, which involved Governor Mohammed's Turaki-backed PDP faction and the national leadership of the APC, failed to reach an agreement after the APC rejected a proposed 60-40 power-sharing formula.
Rejection of the 60-40 Formula
Sama'ila Burga, Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in Bauchi State, addressed the press on Saturday, revealing that the APC had shown unwillingness to accommodate the governor's political structure and government under the terms proposed.
"This is how it has been done in other places where governors defected to APC. They rejected this formula and we have closed that discussion," Burga stated emphatically. "You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have a control of the party."
According to Burga, the APC had initiated discussions through Governor Mohammed, with the National Chairman and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf visiting Bauchi to convince Mohammed to join the APC. However, the party did not demonstrate readiness to work with the 60-40 sharing formula for control of the party apparatus in Bauchi State.
Formal Discontinuation of Discussions
Burga explained that after extensive consultations with PDP stakeholders and careful consideration, it became clear that the conditions collectively advanced for such a political realignment were not accepted by the APC leadership.
"In light of this, we want to announce that the discussions have not yielded a conclusive outcome and are hereby formally discontinued," he declared.
While expressing appreciation for the outreach and engagement by the APC, Burga stated unequivocally that the process has now been brought to a close. He emphasized that the discussions were led by Governor Mohammed himself, who authorized the press conference to announce the development.
Exploring Alternative Political Options
With the APC defection talks terminated, the PDP in Bauchi State is now actively considering all available political options and parties other than the APC.
"Consequently, the PDP in Bauchi State, in consultation with His Excellency and other critical stakeholders, is actively considering all available political options and political parties other than the APC, in order to determine the most suitable path forward in line with the aspirations and best interests of the people of Bauchi State," Burga announced.
This development marks a significant setback in what had been seen as a major political realignment in Bauchi State, with Governor Mohammed and his supporters now looking elsewhere for potential defection opportunities that would accommodate their demand for substantial control over party structures.
