Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has reacted to rumors of Governor Peter Mbah’s imminent defection from the PDP. Mohammed emphasized that Mbah has not formally declared any intention to leave and continues to be regarded as a respected colleague within the party.
“Actually, Governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision. We cannot remove his picture before he leaves. When he leaves, we will replace him with another person. Up till now, he has not told me he’s leaving,” he told journalists on Saturday in Abuja.
Governor Mohammed, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP National Convention Publicity and Communication Subcommittee, dismissed speculation surrounding Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. He described Fubara as a loyal PDP member who has faced significant challenges in office but remained steadfast.
“He has not left the party; he is still PDP. Everybody has his own style. He is a humble young man who has gone through so much and has done well to accommodate all the problems and challenges he found himself in,” Mohammed said.
Despite recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed expressed confidence in the PDP’s strength and its potential to secure victory in the 2027 elections. He acknowledged his deep concern over governors and lawmakers switching sides but noted that the party is working discreetly to stabilize its ranks and rebuild public trust.
“If you ask me whether I’m concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes,” he stated.
The Bauchi governor accused the APC-led federal government of employing coercive tactics to weaken the opposition, aiming to transform Nigeria into a one-party state. “You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” he said.
However, Mohammed insisted that these defections would not hinder the PDP’s resurgence, as most Nigerians at the grassroots level remain loyal to the party. “Even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections. Sometimes it is done because of permutations and calculations. But I assure you I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division,” he explained.
He revealed that more defections might occur, including from lawmakers in Bauchi State, but affirmed the solidity of the PDP structure there. “Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being controlled, they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP. Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP,” he stated.
Mohammed highlighted the PDP’s foundational role in Nigeria’s key achievements and positioned it as the only credible platform for national renewal. “Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes. By the grace of God, if we stand firm, we will deliver. Some of us who won as governors were not even considered capable, and here we are. That’s what will play out in 2027,” he said.
On potential threats to the upcoming PDP convention, the governor assured that leadership is resolving internal disputes and litigation designed to disrupt preparations. “I cannot speak for the National Working Committee, but as a leader within the party, I know they are doing their best to address issues of litigation. Many are artificially created to undermine us, but we don’t have any faction in the PDP,” he noted.
He added that the PDP is more organized than other opposition parties. “Comparatively, most of the other parties are not better off than us. We are better off than most opposition parties. We are the only ones intact, with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary. This meeting gives hope that at the end of the day, we will deliver,” Mohammed said.
Addressing rumors of a 2027 presidential bid by former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mohammed indicated the PDP’s openness to prominent figures rejoining or aligning with the party. “People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy. As governors, we have resolved to put personal interests aside. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians to put in Aso Rock, inshallah,” he stated.
Finally, Mohammed reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and optimism for visionary leaders to emerge in 2027, defeating the APC’s “deceptive” politics. “If somebody goes, just like a bird, they go, they come. Please don’t blame anybody at the governor’s level; we are doing our best, but it is beyond our control,” he concluded.
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