The African Democratic Congress (ADC) may be on the verge of securing its first sitting governor, as Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed signals readiness to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, disclosed this on Tuesday while hosting a high-level ADC delegation led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the Government House in Bauchi.
Addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting, the governor cited the deepening crisis within the PDP as the driving force behind his planned exit, lamenting failed reconciliation efforts.
“We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked. We set up committees at both the national and state levels to explore all options, including even the All Progressives Congress, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there,” he said.
He revealed that while consultations were ongoing across multiple platforms, the ADC had so far emerged as the most viable option.
“As of now, ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes,” Mohammed added.
The governor indicated that a final decision is imminent, hinting at a formal declaration within days.
“We are very conscious of the timeline. Everything will be concluded by Thursday so that we can move forward together. You will hear a firm commitment from us,” he stated.
Mohammed also blamed external interference for worsening divisions within the PDP, accusing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of fueling the crisis.
He disclosed that he had engaged key stakeholders, including leaders of the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in efforts to resolve the impasse, but without success.
Earlier, Lawal said the ADC delegation was in Bauchi on the directive of the party’s national leadership under former Senate President David Mark, to formally invite the governor to join the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The task of rescuing Nigeria in 2027 requires the unity of all well-meaning Nigerians. We are here to engage Governor Bala Mohammed because of his leadership qualities and political experience,” Lawal said.
He expressed confidence that the talks would yield positive results, noting that the ADC is ready to accommodate Mohammed and his supporters as part of a broader push to consolidate opposition forces.
The anticipated defection, if finalised, would mark a significant political milestone for the ADC and could reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
