By Chesa Chesa
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has dismissed suggestions that he feels isolated within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid ongoing defections and political realignments, insisting he remains committed to the opposition party.
Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja on Friday, Mohammed said speculation about his possible defection was misplaced.
“I have always said that I am a PDP man. I’m not coming here for defection. I’m coming here for governance, for partnership, he said when asked if his visit to Aso Rock was because of his possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing claims that he may be feeling politically isolated, the governor was emphatic: “I am not feeling lonely because I know my state. My intention is to make sure I stay back, because elections are won from the polling units, elections are won locally and not nationally.”
His remarks come against the backdrop of reported defections by some political figures and internal tensions within opposition ranks.
Mohammed noted that political decisions are personal, saying, “Any governor can leave. If it is Fintiri’s decision to leave, it may not be my decision”, as he reacted to the defection of Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, to APC hours earlier.
Despite acknowledging challenges within the PDP, including litigations and internal disagreements, the governor defended the party’s national presence and resilience. He pointed to its performance in recent Federal Capital Territory area council elections, where the PDP secured one of six councils and multiple councillorship seats.
“PDP is a party that is everywhere, in every ward, in every corner of the country. It has a brand that has survived over the past two decades,” he said.
The governor explained that his visit to the President was primarily to seek federal intervention over rising insecurity in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. He described a worsening situation around the Daji Dam axis, where bandits have reportedly occupied ungoverned forest areas, leading to sporadic clashes with security agencies.
According to him, the violence has forced residents to flee to neighbouring states and local governments, raising fears of a humanitarian crisis, particularly during the fasting period.
Mohammed said President Tinubu responded positively and had already issued directives to security agencies, noting similar operations in Kwara and Niger states. He added that he and governors of Taraba, Plateau and Gombe states were considering a joint security summit to tackle the cross-border forest threats.
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