Group kicks against Gov. Mohammed’s planned defection to APC 

A group of members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has vehemently opposed the planned defection of the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

The group, under the auspices of APC Solidarity Group and Allied Associations, Bauchi State, made its position known on Saturday.

It spoke in a statement jointly made available by its Director of Programmes and External Affairs, I.B. Muhammad, and Secretary, Abubakar Abdullahi. 

It said a petition had been written to the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, giving 10 reasons the Governor Mohammed should be disallowed from joining the party. 

The group said: “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, therefore, enumerated 10 reasons the governor should be restrained from defecting to the party. 

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

“Existing Rivalries: There are notable political disagreements and rivalries between him and key APC stakeholders in the state, including respected figures such as His Excellency, Dr. Mal. Isa Yuguda, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Senator Shehu Buba Umar, among others. 

“Trust Concerns: Many party members hold reservations regarding his political consistency and alignment with APC values, raising concerns about long-term loyalty. 

“Risk of Internal Instability: His admission could potentially create divisions and disrupt the existing unity within the party structure in Bauchi State. 

“Disconnect with Electorate: There is a perception that he has become disconnected from the grassroots, which may negatively affect the party’s electoral strength if he is admitted. 

“Ideological Inconsistency: His past political positions and affiliations may not align with the progressive ideals and policies of the APC. 

“Impact on Party Morale: Long-standing members who have remained loyal to the party through challenging times may feel sidelined or discouraged. 

“Strategic Electoral Risk: Granting him entry into the APC at this critical time could create uncertainties that may weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.”

It acknowledged that though criticism, if constructive and altruistically-driven, is a vital part of any democratic process, the APC group however said that the governor’s criticism is far from objectivity. 

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

The Bauchi State APC group, therefore, declared Governor Mohammed a persona non grata in the party. 

It said: “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 rumors surrounding the alleged defection bid of Governor Bala Muhammad of Bauchi State from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to our dear All Progressives Congress (APC).

“As foundation and frontline members of the party, we believe it is crucial to address this matter with the seriousness it deserves.”

According to the group, the party is bigger than any entity and if we must deliver on the promise for a President Tinubu landslide and our other candidates in the next elections, the change has begun now. 

“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 then called on the APC National Chairman to ensure that everybody works for the party’s success in the 2027 general election, not only in Bauchi State but Nigeria as a whole.