Bauchi, Nigeria — Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Allied Peoples Movement, in a move that could significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor made the announcement on Saturday at the Government House in Bauchi, where he was flanked by APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, alongside other party leaders and senior government officials.
Declaring his decision after what he described as “extensive consultation,” Mohammed said the defection was a calculated and strategic move aimed at securing political victory and ensuring continued service to the people.
“After extensive consultation, we have taken a firm and strategic decision to join the Allied Peoples Movement (APM),” the governor told party faithful and stakeholders gathered at the event.
He explained that the move was driven by the need to provide a credible and effective political platform for his supporters as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.
“With the 2027 elections months away, I cannot allow our people to run out without a credible and effective political platform,” he said.
According to Mohammed, the decision was guided by the overriding objective of sustaining political relevance, effectively mobilising supporters, and presenting what he termed a coherent and credible alternative to the electorate.
“Our duty is to provide energy and direction; at the same time, make sure that the opportunity provided to all of us is not diminished,” he added.
The governor’s defection reportedly followed an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held behind closed doors earlier in the day, where key political allies and party executives deliberated on the future of his political bloc.
Among those joining him in the move are members of the PDP loyal to the Tanimu Turaki-led executives, further underlining the scale of the political realignment.
Despite his departure, Mohammed expressed gratitude to the PDP, the platform under which he was elected governor in 2019.
“The PDP has played an important role in our collective political journey,” he said. “It has been a platform through which we have found and contributed evenly to the development of our state and our dear nation. We remain grateful for this history and the opportunities provided.”
Political observers say the defection marks one of the most significant shifts in Nigeria’s opposition politics in recent months, with implications that may extend beyond Bauchi State as alliances continue to evolve ahead of 2027.
By Chief Edet Isong