Bala Mohammed’s defection talks with APC collapses

…Bauchi governor shops for new party

Negotiations between Bala Mohammed, the Bauchi State Governor, and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have broken down, prompting fresh moves towards an alternative political platform.

The talks, which involved the Tanimu Turaki-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State, ended without agreement, according to the faction’s chairman, Samaila Adamu Burga.

Burga disclosed this on Saturday while briefing journalists in Bauchi, stating that the APC failed to demonstrate willingness to accommodate the existing party structure and the state government.

He explained that discussions were initiated by the APC through its National Chairman, Prof. Yiltwada Netanwe, alongside Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who visited Bala Mohammed in a bid to persuade him to defect.

However, the negotiations collapsed after the APC reportedly rejected a proposed 60/40 power-sharing formula for control of party structures in the state, along with other conditions.

“This arrangement has been adopted in other states where governors defected to the APC, but they turned it down. That effectively ended the discussions,” Burga said.

“You cannot expect a sitting government that is bringing its full structure from the ward level to the state to have no significant control of the party,” he added.

On the governor’s position, Burga said the press briefing was held at his instance, noting that Mohammed had been directly leading the negotiations.

He added that after consultations with key PDP stakeholders, it became evident that the conditions for alignment were unacceptable to the APC.

“In light of this, we wish to announce that the discussions have not yielded a conclusive outcome and are hereby formally discontinued,” he said.

Burga further revealed that the faction is now exploring other political options, including possible alliances with interested parties ahead of a final decision.

“We are open to discussions with other political parties. While we appreciate the engagement from the APC, that chapter is now closed,” he said.

He added that although no specific party has been chosen, the group is determined to align with a platform that offers political comfort and a fair opportunity to contest elections.

“All options are on the table except the APC. We will move where the interests of our people are best protected,” Burga stated.