APC group opposes Bauchi gov’s defection bid

A group within the ruling All Progressives Congress has kicked against the reported plan by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.

The group, operating under the APC Solidarity Group & Allied Associations in Bauchi State, made its position known in a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Programmes and External Affairs, I.B. Muhammad, and Secretary, Abubakar Abdullahi.

It disclosed that a petition had been submitted to the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, outlining 10 reasons why the governor should not be admitted into the party.

“As the 2027 general elections approach, it has become necessary to carefully safeguard the strength, credibility, and internal cohesion of the APC in Bauchi State.

“In this regard, we wish to humbly present the following concerns against the possible admission of Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir into our party,” the group stated.

The group listed concerns, including the governor’s alleged persistent public criticism of the APC and the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as well as accusations it said he had made against the APC-led Federal Government.

Other reasons cited were declining public goodwill, existing political rivalries within Bauchi APC ranks, trust concerns, and the risk of internal instability should he be admitted into the party.

The statement also highlighted what it described as a disconnect between the governor and grassroots supporters, ideological inconsistencies, and the potential impact on party morale and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 polls.

It said: “Persistent Public Criticism: Senator Bala Mohammed has consistently made public statements critical of the APC and the administration of President Bola Anmed Tinubu.

“Allegations Against APC-led Government: He has repeatedly accused the APC-led Federal Government of causing hardship and insecurity in the country, which undermines the party’s image.

“Declining Public Goodwill: There is a growing perception that his administration has lost the goodwill and confidence of many citizens in Bauchi State.”

The group further cited internal disagreements involving key APC stakeholders such as Isa Yuguda, Yakubu Dogara, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Shehu Buba Umar.

While acknowledging that criticism is a vital part of democracy, the group argued that the governor’s remarks were not altruistically driven.

“But in this case, the disturbing thing about the Governor’s constant barrage of negative remarks raises is that, upon an objective assessment, the truth is deciphered that most, if not all of it, is not altruistically-driven but made for another purpose other than serving the good of the common man,” it said.

The group consequently declared Governor Mohammed persona non grata within the APC in Bauchi State.

“To us, Kaura is not welcome in APC. Having said this, we hereby strongly and unequivocally join thousands of our party members in expressing concerns regarding the recent rumours surrounding the alleged defection bid of Governor Bala Muhammad of Bauchi State from the People’s Democratic Party to our dear All Progressives Congress.

“As foundation and frontline members of the party, we believe it is crucial to address this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” the statement added.
It emphasised that the party’s collective interest must take precedence ahead of the 2027 elections and urged members to remain committed to ensuring victory for President Tinubu and other APC candidates.

“It starts with all of us, especially the leadership of the party, elected and appointed members, other stakeholders and the rest of us at all levels,” it said.

The group also called on the APC national leadership to prioritise unity and ensure all efforts are geared towards strengthening the party’s chances in Bauchi State and across the country.