Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed is expected to officially join the All Progressives Congress (APC) this Tuesday.
This move follows exclusive reporting by THISDAY and follows several weeks of high-level negotiations between the Governor, President Bola Tinubu, and the APC leadership.
While the ruling party has reportedly agreed to a “60/40 power sharing formula and ticket to the senate,” a significant point of contention remains.
Governor Mohammed has requested the privilege of nominating his own successor, an honor he claims has been extended to other defectors.
However, the President has reportedly resisted this, insisting on returning the party structure to the collective leadership rather than an individual.
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This is particularly sensitive in Bauchi, where prominent figures like Health Minister Ali Pate, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and oil professional Bala Wunti are also viewed as potential gubernatorial contenders.
Despite this unresolved issue, the defection ceremony is planned for tomorrow. If completed, this would bring the number of APC governors to 32.
Simultaneously, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is attempting internal reconciliation between a group led by Tanimu Turaki and a faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The Wike camp has presented two “non-negotiable” requirements for these talks.
Their spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, stated: “Number one condition of our group to the reconciliation talks was that the March 29 national convention is not negotiable. It must hold… Number two condition is that the setting up of another national Caretaker Committee in whatever name should not be entertained because there is already one in place.”
While Senator Samuel Anyanwu confirmed that “we have been meeting but no truce yet,” some party stalwarts remain optimistic.
Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse argued that the party’s relevance persists despite losing members to the APC, noting: “What is happening to the PDP is not as disastrous as many people think… The loss of some governors and lawmakers to the ruling party and other political parties does not show we are finished at all.”
Furthermore, founding member Sule Lamido has urged stakeholders to support the Wike-aligned caretaker structure to ensure survival. Lamido described Wike as a “very strategic politician” who moved quickly to fill a leadership vacuum, adding: “Some people may not agree with him politically, but that should not stop us from engaging him in the spirit of unity and brotherhood. The task before us now is reconciliation and rebuilding the party.”
