Defections Won’t Sink PDP; We’ll Retake Aso Villa in 2027 — Governor Bala Mohammed

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has expressed unwavering confidence in the opposition party’s ability to remain strong and reclaim power in 2027, despite a spate of recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Mohammed made the assertion while speaking with journalists on Saturday in Abuja. Dependable NG noted that the Governor, who also chairs the PDP National Convention Publicity and Communication Subcommittee, admitted concern over the loss of governors and lawmakers but stressed that the party is working quietly behind the scenes to stabilize its ranks and rebuild public trust.

Mohammed accused the APC-led Federal Government of resorting to “coercive tactics” to weaken the opposition and strategically steer Nigeria toward 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, the Governor maintained that these defections, even if more occur, would not derail the PDP’s resurgence, arguing that the party still enjoys massive grassroots support. He stated that even those who left “are not finding it easy” because most people at the grassroots are loyal to the PDP and unhappy with the defections.

Mohammed dismissed reports of his own state’s instability, declaring: “I assure you I am not going anywhere. My state has no element of division.”

On the loss of lawmakers, the Governor acknowledged the unfortunate situation, noting, “They are being controlled, they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP.” He believes Nigerians are craving change and see the PDP as the credible platform to achieve it, citing that the majority of measurable achievements by the Federal Government were recorded under past PDP administrations.

Regarding current party figures, Mohammed stated that Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have not communicated any decision to leave the party, describing Fubara as a loyal member managing his challenges well. The Governor concluded with optimism, stating that visionary leaders will emerge from the unified PDP in 2027 to mount a strong challenge against what he termed the APC’s “deceptive” politics.