Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied People's Movement (APM), stating that he is taking all his political structures from the ward to the state level with him.
Defection Announcement
Mohammed made the announcement on Saturday following a meeting with PDP stakeholders in Bauchi State. Addressing journalists after the meeting, the governor explained that his team is facing extraordinary times and an unusual and complex political situation. He expressed gratitude for the steadfast commitment and loyalty demonstrated by his supporters.
Mohammed revealed that over the past eight days, he had been in Abuja engaging at the highest level to address the challenges facing the PDP. He said he had sought all available avenues with diligence and good faith.
Supreme Court Ruling Impact
The governor cited the outcome of a Supreme Court judgment as a fundamental factor that altered the political landscape and their expectations. The court, in a split decision, nullified parallel conventions conducted by contending factions and declared all actions emanating from those conventions null and void. This left both sides without legal standing, with the Board of Trustees temporarily assuming responsibility for party affairs as per the PDP constitution.
Despite this, Mohammed noted actions that do not align with the spirit and letter of the judgment, causing definite uncertainty. After careful consideration and wide consultations with leaders and stakeholders across the country, it became clear that efforts to restore stability had not yielded the desired results.
Appreciation for PDP
Mohammed acknowledged and appreciated the PDP for the important role it played in their collective political journey. He stated that the party was a platform through which they served, grew, and contributed meaningfully to national development. He expressed gratitude for this history and the opportunities provided.
However, as responsible leaders, they could not allow their people to be left without a credible and effective political platform. Their duty was to provide clarity and direction while ensuring that opportunities were not diminished.
Decision to Join APM
Consequently, after extensive consultation, they took a firm and strategic decision to join the Allied People's Movement (APM). Mohammed emphasized that this decision was guided by one overriding objective: to secure victory in both the state and the country in order to serve the people with purpose and integrity.
The APM offers a viable platform to organize effectively, mobilize supporters, and present a coherent and credible alternative to the people. He noted that due diligence had been carried out and that the party is not infected by any legal virus that could serve as an impediment, unless one is manufactured after they join.
Mohammed declared that the APM remains the most credible party and announced that members of the executive council have already resigned their positions, having indicated interest in contesting for various elective offices.
Transition Measures
To ensure a seamless and lawful transition, the governor outlined clear measures: the establishment of a compliance committee to guide all actions in line with legal and electoral requirements; the commencement of an online membership registration process; the constitution of a committee to interface with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding transparency; and the launch of a coordinated mobilization effort to build strong grassroots support across the state.
Mohammed reassured the people that this decision is not born out of uncertainty. He expressed love for the PDP, saying they are PDP at heart, but had to leave to continue the struggle. He affirmed that they cannot be diminished or conquered and will continue to raise the torch of democracy to provide good governance for the country.
APM Leadership Response
The National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Ahmed Dantalle, commended the governor for choosing the party, which he said is free from litigation and crisis. He welcomed the governor and his team and promised to work with them.
