I’m worried over defections to APC – PDP Govs Forum chair

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has said that governors and other PDP members, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress, are not finding things easy politically after their defection.

Speaking after the inauguration of the PDP Convention Communication Sub-committee in Abuja on Saturday, Mohammed said PDP governors are working quietly to keep the party united ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Bauchi Governor, who chairs the committee, said the association of leaders like former President Goodluck Jonathan and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, with the PDP reflects Nigerians’ continued interest in the party.

In recent months, key political figures have joined the African Democratic Congress-led opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu.

Similarly, several PDP leaders have defected to the ruling APC, among them Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Amid preparations for the PDP’s National Elective Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, scheduled for November 15–16, reports suggest that Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri may also join the APC ahead of the exercise.

Reacting, the Bauchi Governor expressed concern over the growing number of party leaders defecting to the APC.

He stated, “If you ask me whether I am 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.

“This defection would have been more devastating at the onset, but we have been talking and discussing. 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.

“I cannot say that my colleagues are wrong; they are free to do whatever they choose. But I have been advising them that 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. I will not denigrate or speak negatively about my colleagues, but I assure you I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division.

“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, and the issue is PDP because Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP. Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes.”

The PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman urged those planning to leave the party to do so peacefully without tarnishing its image, noting that their exit would open doors for capable Nigerians to join.

He expressed optimism that the convention would produce genuine leaders who will challenge the APC and address Nigerians’ concerns ahead of 2027.

Speaking on internal threats posed by some members, Mohammed said, “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 litigations. Many are artificially created to undermine us, but we don’t have any faction in the PDP.

“At the state level, I have even seen some people taking us to court not to go for a convention. This is not good and makes some at the National Assembly feel unsafe.

“We are addressing these issues squarely. Comparatively, most of the other parties are not better off than us. We are better off than most opposition parties. Some don’t even have leadership at the national level. We are the only ones intact—with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary.”

When asked about efforts to bring back former President Goodluck Jonathan, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and others, the Bauchi Governor said their reported association with the PDP reflects Nigerians’ enduring interest in the party.

He stated, “People are still interested in this party, and these big names (Jonathan, Obi and others) being associated with us make us happy. As governors, we have resolved to put personal interests aside. I have exceeded my personal expectations. I stepped out to be a presidential candidate in the 2023 election, but I stepped down to become a governor. I have done my best and I’m happy.

“We have removed personal interests. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians to put in Aso Rock.”

culled from punch.