The Bauchi State caucus of the All Progressives Congress has rejected any move to admit Bala Mohammed into the party, amid growing speculation about the governor’s political future and possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party.
The position was made public following a high-level caucus meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday night, where party leaders reviewed recent political developments surrounding the Bauchi governor.
The decision comes after reports emerged that Mohammed had earlier indicated plans to leave the PDP, sparking intense political maneuvering among major parties seeking to attract him.
Sources familiar with the development revealed that on March 31, 2026, Mohammed disclosed his intention to defect to the African Democratic Congress. The reported move triggered fresh efforts by influential APC figures who sought to persuade the governor to instead join their party.
This followed a recent visit by top APC leaders, including the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, to the Bauchi Government House. The meeting, which was held behind closed doors, fueled speculation that efforts were underway to convince Mohammed to abandon his reported plan to join the ADC.
Although no official statement was released after the meeting, insiders suggested that discussions focused on persuading the governor to consider joining the APC instead.
However, the Bauchi APC caucus has now taken a firm position against such a move. Speaking after the Abuja meeting, the senator representing Bauchi North Senatorial District and chairman of the caucus, Sama’ila Dahuwa, said the decision to reject Mohammed was unanimous.
According to Dahuwa, caucus members carefully reviewed the situation before arriving at their conclusion and agreed that admitting the governor into the party at this time would not be in the APC’s best interest.
He stated that the caucus “unequivocally rejects” any attempt to admit Mohammed into the party, citing concerns over the governor’s past public statements and political stance.
Dahuwa explained that Mohammed had previously made comments critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC, raising doubts about loyalty and trust within the party.
He further noted that the governor had not taken any steps to retract those statements or reconcile with APC leaders and members in Bauchi State. According to him, there has also been no public apology or effort to rebuild trust.
“In view of the foregoing, the caucus firmly holds that his admission into the APC at this time will be detrimental to the party’s cohesion, credibility, and electoral prospects in Bauchi State,” Dahuwa said.
The caucus emphasized that it would resist any political arrangement that could weaken the party’s structure in the state or undermine its chances in future elections. Members stressed that maintaining stability within the APC remained their priority.
The group also expressed concern about the process leading to discussions about Mohammed’s possible admission, stating that key stakeholders in Bauchi State were not consulted before talks began. The caucus described this as contrary to internal party principles and warned against sidelining established party structures.
As part of its next step, the caucus announced plans to formally communicate its position to the APC national leadership, urging adherence to due process in handling politically sensitive matters.
Meanwhile, fresh indications suggest that Governor Mohammed may be reconsidering his earlier plan to defect to the ADC. Following his meeting with APC leaders, reports indicate that he has slowed down on the move and initiated broader consultations.
The governor is said to be engaging loyalists and stakeholders within the PDP in Bauchi State as he evaluates his political options amid shifting alliances.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 4, 2026, the Bauchi PDP established an exit committee to assess the party’s future direction and respond to the evolving political situation.
The Bauchi PDP Chairman, Samaila Burga, confirmed the formation of the committee, stating that it was created to examine available options and guide the party during the current period of uncertainty.
According to Burga, the committee is chaired by the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Auwal Jatau, and includes members from the National Assembly, State Assembly, commissioners, party executives, and local government chairmen.
He added that the committee would conduct wide consultations before submitting its report, which will guide the PDP’s next steps.
Burga noted that a final decision on the party’s direction is expected after another stakeholders’ meeting, further fueling speculation about possible political realignments in Bauchi State ahead of future elections.
The unfolding developments highlight growing political tension and shifting alliances in Bauchi State, as parties position themselves for potential changes in the political landscape.
